Michigan’s Three Types of Personal Protection Orders

3 Types of Personal Protection Orders in MI

A personal protection order or a PPO is a court order issued for a person to another individual to stop threats or any form of violence towards the person who issued it. The issuance of a PPO can be due to different reasons, and there are different types of PPOs, depending on the complaint.

Below are the three types of PPOs in Michigan:

1. Domestic PPO
2. Nondomestic or Stalking PPO
3. Nondomestic Sexual Assault PPO

Before we discuss the different types of PPOs, let’s go over some of the basics and tips when it comes to filling out the PPO forms:

• If you are the one filing for a PPO against a person, then you are the “petitioner.” The person you are filing against or you want protection from is called the “respondent.”
• When filling out the forms, provide the following information as best as you can:
  • What the respondent did
  • The events that happened to you as a result of the encounter with the respondent
  • Dates of the events

There’s no need for a police report or any other document when you’re filing for a PPO. However, if these documents are available, it’s best to share them with the authorities so that the judge can help understand your situation.

• Let the court know about other court cases between you and the respondent and if the case or cases are still open or not. These cases can be in Michigan as well as in other states too.
• You also have to let the court know if there is a court order about child custody or if there is a criminal case against the respondent.
• Provide your mailing address. It doesn’t have to be the same as your residence address.

If anything is confusing about the process of filing for a PPO, it’s best to seek the legal advice of an experienced attorney to guide you through it.

Personal Protection Order #1: Domestic PPO

A Domestic PPO is one of the most common PPOs issued in Michigan. It is considered as a Domestic PPO when the court order is issued to the following people:

• The petitioners spouse or former spouse
• Someone who has a child in common with the petitioner
• Someone who you (the petitioner) are currently dating or you have dated in the past
• Someone who you previously lived with, has ever lived with you or is currently living with you in a household.

When filing for a Domestic PPO, it’s important to show the court that the respondent is interfering with your personal freedom, is threatening you, or has committed violence against you.

Personal Protection Order #2: Non-domestic or Stalking PPO

The second type of personal protection order is also a common one. When somebody is served a Stalking PPO, he or she will be prevented from doing the following:

• Following the petitioner or appearing within their line of sight
• Visiting or appearing at the petitioner’s residence or place of work
• Confronting the petitioner in a public place or even in a private property
• Sending any mail or electronic communications to the petitioner
• Getting in touch with the petitioner via a telephone
• Having an object delivered to the petitioner’s property whether he/she owns the property, leases it or occupies it
• Placing an item on the petitioner’s property regardless if he/she owns it, leases it or simply occupies it
• Purchasing or possessing a firearm

The court may issue a PPO against stalking which includes, but is not limited to the actions stated above. They may also issue a PPO for aggravated stalking. Aggravated stalking happens when the respondent violated the conditions of a PPO that’s already issued to him or her.

Personal Protection Order #3: Non-domestic Sexual Assault PPO

This third type of PPO is made available for the following people:

• Victims of sexual assault
• Victims who are the recipients of obscene materials
• Petitioners who have suffered reasonable apprehension of sexual assault by the respondent.

While this type of PPO is not as common as the first two, this is still available in the state of Michigan.

Get immediate legal advice on PPO’s in Michigan with the Clark Law Office

If you have been issued any of the three types of PPOs stated above, it is of utmost important that you immediately receive legal advice. This way, your chosen attorney can quickly request a hearing with the court to modify or even dismiss the PPO issued to you.

If you’re looking for the best attorneys in Michigan, consider the Clark Law Office. We have over 40 years of experience in Michigan alone. We will treat you like family and make sure that you are properly advised about your situation. You may fill out the form below for a free case evaluation or call us at (517) 347-6900 for additional information.