Unfortunately, this process is sometimes abused by those applying for them. Some situations may include:

1. An upset spouse or significant exacting revenge after a break up.
2. A spouse trying to gain advantage in a pending, or soon to be pending, divorce proceeding.
3. A spouse applying for an Order of Protection in anticipation of the other spouse applying for one. (“The Race to the Courthouse”)

It is important to have legal representation whenever one is served with an Ex-Parte Order of Protection. Arkansas law allows for the applicant to get an “Ex-Parte” (this means temporary) without a hearing. However, the court must have a hearing within thirty (30) days within filing of the temporary order.

WARNING: If you fail to attend the final hearing a final order of protection may be entered against you. Also, if the other party proves they are worthy of being granted a final order of protection the following will happen:

1. You will not be able to possess a firearm.
2. The order may be entered against you for up to ten (10) years.
3. If you violate this order in any way you may be arrested for a Violation of a Protection Order. This is a Class A Misdemeanor and punishable by up to one (1) year in jail, and a $1,000.00 fine.

Call the Eisele Law Firm to set up a free consultation if you have been served with an order of protection in Arkansas. We are developing a website dedicated to Arkansas order of protection defense at www.orderofprotectiondefense.com. See our main website at http://www.eiselelaw.com.