Protective Orders

IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911.

IF YOU FEEL THAT A CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED, PLEASE CALL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Victims of domestic abuse may apply for a civil protective order by filling in the protective order form below. Once received by the court, the judge will either set the matter for a hearing within 10 days or grant a Temporary Restraining Order and set the matter for a hearing within 21 days.

At the Hearing

At the hearing, the petitioner and defendant will have an opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments to the court. If you have filed for a protective order and are not represented by counsel, you may apply for assistance with the Shreveport Bar Foundation.

Both parties and witnesses are expected to conduct themselves professionally and courteously. You are also expected to be prepared. The judge cannot act as your attorney nor can he treat you any differently than he would an attorney. For guidance on how to prepare for court, please review the following materials:

If a protective order has been filed against you and you cannot afford an attorney, you may qualify for assistance through the Shreveport Bar Foundation or Legal Services of North Louisiana (318) 222-7186.

After the Hearing

Petitioners

If the judge has denied your petition for protective order, you may still file again in the future.

If the judge has granted your petition for protective order, it cannot be dissolved or modified by anyone but this court. If you do wish to dissolve or modify this protective order, you will need to file this form with the Clerk’s Office.

If the defendant violates the protective order, call the police immediately. This will begin a criminal process.

Defendants

If the judge has denied petitioner’s protective order, this should not be construed as approval of the behavior that led to the filing of a petition for protective order. Continued and repeated harassment may give cause to the petitioner to refile.

If the judge has granted the petition, it cannot be dissolved or modified by anyone but this court. If the petitioner attempts to contact you, it is your responsibility to refrain from contact. Criminal charges can be brought against you if you do not.

Domestic Abuse Resources

 

The Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office

Domestic Violence Investigation Unit: (318) 226-6200

Child Abuse Hotline: 1-855-4LA-KIDS