A Personal Protection Order (PPO) is a civil protection order against violence, the threat of violence and various forms of stalking. Michigan law provides for criminal enforcement measures against persons who violate a PPO. For example, Michigan authorizes warrantless arrests for individuals who violate a PPO. This means that a person accused of violating a Personal Protection Order can be immediately arrested by police without need of an arrest warrant.

     The parties involved in a PPO action are called the petitioner and the respondent. The petitioner is the party seeking the protection of the PPO; this person is sometimes called the Plaintiff. The respondent is the party against whom the PPO is sought; this person is sometimes called the defendant.

     In Michigan, there are two distinct types of Personal Protection Orders (or PPO’s). These are differentiated based on the relationship between the parties. The first type is a Domestic Relationship PPO (MCLA 600.2950). It is available to restrain behavior (including stalking which is defined by statute) that interferes with the petitioner’s personal freedom or that causes a reasonable fear of violence. The Domestic Relationship PPO applies if the respondent:

(i) is a current spouse or former spouse;
(ii) has a child in common with petitioner;
(iii) resides or has resided in the same household as petitioner; or
(iv) has or had a dating relationship with petitioner.

     The second type is a Non-Domestic Stalking PPO (MCLA 600.2950a). This type of PPO protects victims of stalking, regardless of the relationship between the parties. “Stalking” is defined as:

I. A willful course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another individual;
II. That would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested; and
III. That actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.

     A court may issue a PPO after the accused is provided notice that a PPO has been requested and a hearing is held to determine whether a PPO is warranted. However, in many circumstances a PPO is issued without a hearing or notice to the alleged offender. This is called an ex parte PPO. The judge must issue a PPO if it is clear from the facts and circumstances that immediate and irreparable harm would result from the delay necessary to effectuate appropriate service on the respondent. An Ex Parte PPO is effective when it is signed by the judge and is immediately enforceable whether or not the respondent has even received notice of the order. If an Ex Parte PPO has been issued against you, there is a very short period of time in which to object to the PPO and ask the court to set aside or terminate the PPO. DO NOT wait! Contact an attorney before it is too late! You can reach an experienced PPO defense attorney by calling 1-248-489-8780.

     PPOs can be devastating to an individual’s personal and professional life. Once a PPO is issued against you, you may no longer have the right to purchase firearms or even possess firearms you currently own, including firearms used for hunting and/or sport. For certain types of employment where you are required to carry firearms, such as corrections officers and police officers, your employer will be notified of the PPO. You may also be prohibited from entering certain premises which may effect both employment and recreation. It is possible to prevent the issuance of a PPO or to terminate an existing PPO, but you should contact an attorney immediately before your time runs out! Michigan law protects your right to challenge a PPO in court. Our firm safeguards your right to challenge the PPO aggressively.

PPOs are often initiated during a divorce or custody proceeding. A PPO’s potential effect on access to children makes it tempting for some parties to use in order to gain an advantage over custody or parenting time. Because a PPO may affect the parties’ access to children – particularly if it excludes a parent from premises – it may, as a practical matter, grant custody to one parent. Additionally, parenting time is to be granted in accordance with the best interests of the child. Domestic violence, regardless of whether directed against or witnessed by the child, is relevant to a child’s well-being and is a best interest factor considered by courts.