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During the 10-day period the police or Sheriff's Office will serve the abuser with a copy of the order, so the abuser will know when the hearing is. Keep a copy of the order with you and give a copy to the police in any town where you think the abuser might bother you.
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*Emancipated minor means a person who is under 18 years of age but who has been married, has entered military service, has a child or is pregnant, or has been legally declared by a court or administrative agency to be emancipated.
The judge can order the police to escort the abuser to remove personal items from the residence or shared place of business, so that the police protects you during any necessary contact. The judge has the power under the law to order anything else that will help to protect you, as long as you agree to it.
A victim, of any age, who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has a child in common, or if the victim is pregnant by a man who she says will be the father of the child when the pregnancy is carried to term is also covered by this law. A victim, of any age, also includes any person who has been subjected to domestic violence by a person with whom the victim has had a dating relationship.
If it is after hours a holiday, or a weekend, you can go to your local police department to obtain an order. They can call a judge to get an order that starts immediately. You will be asked to speak to the judge by telephone. If English is not a language you usually speak, you may want to bring a friend with you to interpret. An interpreter should be provided for you any time you are scheduled to appear in court, but might not be available at the police station.
For very serious crimes, the county prosecutor may take your case to state criminal court. You do not have to file criminal charges, but the law does allow you to file them if you choose, even if you also get a restraining order. You have a year after any incident to file criminal charges. The police can also file charges on their own and must do so when you show signs of injury or if a weapon was used. If the abuser is found guilty of the criminal charges, the court can impose fines, probation, or even jail as punishment.
You have the right to police protection. If you carry your order with you at all times, it will be easier for the police to understand your current situation. If you lose your order, or it gets destroyed, return to the court and obtain another copy.