What is the difference between an "Order of Protection" a "Restraining Order" and a "No Contact Order"

Many people are confused about the differences between an Order of Protection, a Restraining Order and a No-Contact Order.

Order of Protection:
If you are being physically harmed or threatened, you need an Order of Protection. With an Order of
Protection, the police can arrest your abuser if he or she violates the order. You do not have to pay anything, and you don’t need an attorney to get an Order of Protection.

Restraining Order
If you are getting a divorce, you may ask the judge to issue a Restraining Order, which prevents one spouse from selling the marital property in a divorce and from harassing or bothering the other. A restraining order does not adequately protect you if you are being physically harmed or threatened. You can have an Order of Protection and a Restraining Order at the same time.


A criminal court issues a No Contact Order in criminal cases against an abuser as a condition of release from jail.

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14. Will someone be assigned to investigate my Criminal Incident report?
15. I found more stuff missing / more information / need to clarify the report, how do I get that added?
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25. How long does it take to have a warrant issued for someone's arrest?
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27. How long will it take before the warrant is served?
28. I've decided I don't want to press charges anymore what do I do?
29. I forgot to pay a ticket how can I find out if a warrant was issued for my arrest?
30. How can I find out if someones in jail?
31. How can I find out about my community service or fine balance?
32. How do I get a "No Contact Order"
33. How do I get an "Order of Protection"
34. How do I get a "Restraining Order"
35. What is the difference between an "Order of Protection" a "Restraining Order" and a "No Contact Order"