What distinguishes an order of protection from a no contact order?

Full question:

What is the difference between an order of protection and a no contact order?

Answer:

An order of protection and a no contact order are both legal tools designed to protect individuals from harm. A no contact order is a specific type of protective order that prohibits a person from contacting another individual, either directly or indirectly.

In Illinois, a civil no contact order is defined under the Civil No Contact Order Act (740 ILCS 22). It is intended for victims of non-consensual sexual conduct or penetration. This order can be granted as an emergency or plenary order, requiring the offender to stay away from the victim and refrain from any form of contact, including phone calls, emails, or messages through third parties.

On the other hand, an order of protection can cover a broader range of situations, such as domestic violence or stalking. It may include various remedies beyond just no contact, such as temporary custody arrangements or possession of shared property.

In summary, while a no contact order is a form of protective order focused solely on preventing contact, an order of protection can encompass a wider range of protections for victims in different circumstances.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

No contact orders are sometimes referred to as 'no contact directives' or 'no contact injunctions.' These terms emphasize the legal requirement to avoid any form of communication or interaction with the protected individual.