Contesting Protection Order Steps

Summary

Orders of protection in Illinois can be contested in court. Gather evidence like police reports and original messages to support your case. Request police reports from the relevant department, which may take a few days to weeks. Present evidence of any abuse patterns in court. Legal representation can be beneficial, even if you initially cannot afford it. Consider consulting a lawyer for advice on organizing and presenting your evidence effectively.

Full Conversation

Steven McArthur
Hi Steven! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
I was in a toxic relationship with a woman that left me pretty messed up, but now she's trying to file an order of protection against me and I'm afraid she'll just use it to have me arrested at her leisure.
Hey Steven, sorry to hear about your situation. Here are some general points regarding orders of protection in Illinois:
- Orders of protection can be issued to prevent harassment, abuse, or threats.
- You can contest the order in court and present your side.
- Having legal representation can be beneficial.
Do you have any evidence or witnesses that could support your side?
There's several incidents where the police were called by her, acting like she was the victim of something I did, when in reality, she had hit me.
Steven, it's important to gather any evidence or witnesses you might have to support your case, such as police reports or testimonies from others who witnessed the incidents. Consider speaking with a lawyer to help you contest the order and present your side effectively. Would you like to connect with a local lawyer for assistance in this matter?
I can't afford a lawyer for this. How do I obtain those police reports to use them to protest the op
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Hey Steven, you can request police reports by contacting the police department where the incidents were reported. You'll likely need to fill out a request form and pay a small fee. It's important to provide as much detail about the incidents as possible to help locate the reports efficiently.
She's manipulating text messages and emails, to make it like I was harassing and stalking and threatening her
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Steven, it sounds like a tough situation you're facing. To address the manipulated communications, consider gathering your own evidence, like original messages, and consult with a lawyer for advice. If you reconsider contacting a lawyer, they could help you contest the order. Let me know if you have other questions!
Well can I request to go thru the messages in order for the court to make their own decision on the allegations....or at least try to show her pattern of abuse?
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Steven, you can present evidence like text messages and emails in court to support your case. It's important to show any patterns of abuse or manipulation. A lawyer could help you organize and present this effectively. Do you have any other questions about gathering your evidence?
How long does it take to get police reports if my court date is not long off?
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Hey Steven, the time it takes to get police reports can vary depending on the department's processing time and workload. Generally, it might take a few days to a couple of weeks. It's best to contact the police department directly to inquire about their specific timeline.