Types of Restraining Orders in Connecticut: A Practical Guide
In Connecticut, “restraining order” is often used as a general term, but the state has several distinct court orders that can limit contact or require someone to stay away. The right type depends on the circumstances: family violence, stalking or sexual assault, a criminal case, or a qualifying workplace threat. Knowing which order applies can help a person find the correct court process and understand what protection it may provide.
Meta description: Learn about the main types of restraining orders in Connecticut, including family violence orders, civil protection orders, and criminal protective orders.
What “Restraining Order” Means in Connecticut
Connecticut residents may call several kinds of court orders “restraining orders.” The legal names and procedures differ. A civil order is generally requested by a person seeking protection, while a criminal protective order is typically issued as part of a criminal case. Some orders address family or household violence; others may address stalking, sexual assault, or threats connected to a workplace.
The distinction matters because each order has its own eligibility rules, application process, duration, and enforcement terms. An order may prohibit contact, require a person to stay a specified distance away, or address access to a shared home. The exact restrictions are written in the court order; a person should not assume that one order includes protections found in another.
This overview is general information, not legal advice. Connecticut statutes and court procedures can change, and the order itself controls. For immediate danger, call 911.
Main Types of Restraining Orders in Connecticut
| Order type | Typical situation | How it begins |
|---|---|---|
| Family violence restraining order | Abuse involving a family or household member | A civil application to the Superior Court |
| Civil protection order | Qualifying stalking or sexual assault involving people who do not meet the family-violence relationship requirement | A civil application to the Superior Court |
| Criminal protective order | A criminal case involving alleged family violence or another qualifying offense | Issued by a criminal court in connection with the case |
| Standing criminal protective order | Some criminal cases following conviction | Issued by the criminal court under applicable law |
| Workplace violence restraining order | A qualifying threat or act of violence connected to a workplace | An employer may petition the court under state law |
Family Violence Restraining Orders
A family violence restraining order, commonly called a restraining order, is a civil order available under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-15. It is intended for a person who has been subjected to “family violence” by someone who meets the law’s definition of a family or household member. That category can include spouses and former spouses, people who live or have lived together, parents and children, and people who have a child together, among other relationships specified by law.
Family violence is not limited to physical injury. Connecticut law includes certain acts that result in physical harm, bodily injury, or assault, as well as a present fear of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault. The court evaluates the facts and the statutory requirements; a difficult relationship or argument alone does not automatically qualify.
How the application works
A person seeking protection files an application with the Superior Court. Court staff and victim advocates may be able to explain the filing process and help with forms, but they do not represent the applicant as a lawyer. A judge may issue a temporary, or ex parte, order when the legal standard is met and the circumstances call for protection before a hearing. “Ex parte” means the judge can consider the request before the other party has appeared.
If a temporary order is issued, the court schedules a hearing. The respondent must receive notice and an opportunity to be heard. The judge considers evidence from both sides before deciding whether to issue or continue an order. Applicants should attend the hearing and bring relevant information, such as messages, photographs, police reports, or witness details, if available.
Possible terms and duration
Depending on the circumstances, an order may prohibit contact or harassment, require the respondent to stay away from the protected person, or address the parties’ residence and other safety-related arrangements allowed by law. It may also include provisions concerning children or firearms where legally applicable. The written order specifies who is protected and what conduct is prohibited.
A family violence restraining order is generally effective for a period set by statute and the court, commonly up to one year. The protected person can ask the court to extend it before it expires. The judge decides whether an extension is justified. The date printed on the order and any later court action should be checked rather than relying on a general estimate.
Civil Protection Orders for Stalking or Sexual Assault
Connecticut’s civil protection order is a separate civil remedy under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-16a. It can apply to qualifying conduct involving stalking or sexual assault when the people involved do not qualify for a family violence restraining order based on their relationship. The law covers specified conduct and sets eligibility requirements; not every unwanted interaction meets the statutory definition.
An applicant files with the Superior Court and must provide information supporting the request. The court may issue a temporary order in circumstances permitted by law, followed by a hearing where the respondent can be heard. If granted, the order may prohibit contact or require the respondent to stay away, according to the judge’s findings and the terms entered.
These applications are distinct from requests for a family violence restraining order. A person should describe both the conduct and the relationship accurately when seeking help, because those details can affect which statute applies. Connecticut Judicial Branch resources and courthouse staff can direct applicants to the relevant forms and filing information.
Criminal Protective Orders
A criminal protective order is issued in a criminal case rather than through a separate civil application. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 54-1k, a criminal court may issue an order when a defendant is charged with a qualifying offense, including certain family violence offenses. The order may be imposed at an arraignment or another stage of the case.
Criminal protective orders can contain different levels of restrictions. Depending on the case and the court’s decision, an order may prohibit contact, require the defendant to stay away from the protected person or a location, or impose other restrictions authorized by law. The defendant must follow the conditions even if the protected person initiates contact or agrees to meet. Only the court can change or end the order.
These orders are connected to the criminal proceeding and may remain in effect while the case is pending or for a period set by the court. Their terms and duration depend on the order and applicable law. A protected person should not assume that a criminal case has ended an order; the court docket or a lawyer can help confirm its status.
Standing Criminal Protective Orders
A standing criminal protective order is a longer-term order that a criminal court may issue in certain cases under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-40e. It can follow a conviction for an offense covered by the statute. Unlike an order tied only to the early stages of a pending case, a standing order may remain in effect for an extended period, as specified by law and the court.
The word “standing” does not mean the order can be ignored or that every convicted person receives one. The statute governs when it may be imposed, and the court sets the conditions. A person protected by such an order should retain a copy and confirm the restrictions and end date. The defendant must seek court approval for any permitted modification.
Workplace Violence Restraining Orders
Connecticut law also provides a process for an employer to seek a restraining order in certain workplace violence situations. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-571f, an employer may petition for relief when statutory conditions are met, including qualifying violence or a threat of violence against an employee in the workplace. This is not a general remedy for every workplace dispute, harassment complaint, or disagreement.
The employer files the petition, and the court determines whether the legal standard for an order is satisfied. The order’s restrictions depend on the court’s decision and may be directed at keeping the respondent away from an employee or workplace. Employers considering this process should review the statute and consult counsel, particularly because the requirements and evidence differ from those for personal civil protection orders.
How to Choose the Right Type
The relationship between the people and the nature of the conduct are two central questions. A family or household relationship may point toward a family violence restraining order. Qualifying stalking or sexual assault by someone outside that relationship may fall under the civil protection order statute. If a criminal prosecution is underway, a criminal protective order may also be relevant. A workplace-related threat may involve a separate employer petition.
More than one process may be relevant in some situations. For example, a person may seek a civil order while a criminal case is pending. The orders do not automatically replace one another, and their terms may differ. It is important to tell the court or an advocate about existing orders and provide copies when possible.
Filing, Service, and Court Hearings
Applications for civil orders are handled through Connecticut Superior Court. The Judicial Branch provides information about restraining and civil protection orders, including forms, courthouse locations, and assistance available to applicants. A person can start with the official Connecticut Judicial Branch website or contact the Superior Court serving the area.
If the court issues an order, the respondent generally must be formally notified through the required service process. A hearing may be scheduled so the judge can consider the request with both parties present. Applicants should read court instructions carefully, keep copies of filed documents, and attend every hearing. A temporary order should not be treated as permanent unless the court says so.
At a hearing, clear and specific evidence can help the judge understand what happened and what protection is requested. Useful material may include dates, saved communications, photographs, medical records, police documentation, or witness information. Applicants should preserve original records when possible and avoid altering messages or images.
Violations and Safety Planning
Violating a court order can have serious legal consequences. A protected person should contact law enforcement if an order is violated or immediate safety is at risk. A person who is subject to an order must follow it exactly, even if the protected person invites contact. Questions about ambiguous terms should be directed to the court or a qualified attorney—not resolved by informal agreement.
A court order is one part of a safety plan, not a guarantee that a person will comply. Practical steps may include keeping a copy of the order accessible, sharing it with relevant security personnel or caregivers when appropriate, and identifying a safe place to go. Connecticut’s statewide domestic violence hotline, SafeConnect, offers confidential support and referrals. In an emergency, call 911.
Where to Find Official Information
- Connecticut Judicial Branch: Court locations, forms, and information about civil restraining and protection orders.
- Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-15: Family violence restraining orders.
- Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-16a: Civil protection orders related to qualifying stalking or sexual assault.
- Connecticut General Statutes § 54-1k: Criminal protective orders.
- Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-40e: Standing criminal protective orders.
- Connecticut General Statutes § 52-571f: Employer petitions related to workplace violence.