Restraining Orders

There are two types of orders of protection against stalking or sexual assault, an ex parte temporary order and a final order.

If a judge believes there exists a clear and present danger of further stalking, sexual assault, or of serious adverse (negative) physical consequences to you, s/he can issue an ex parte temporary order of protection.¹ “Ex parte” is Latin for “from one side,” which means that the abuser is not notified ahead of time that the order is being issued and is not present in court. This temporary order will last only until your full court hearing when the abuser has an opportunity to tell his/her side, usually within 72 hours.²

A final order of protection lasts for up to three years . In addition, it can be extended more than once. See Can I change, cancel or extend my order? for more information.

To get a final order, you will have a hearing in front of a judge. Both you and the abuser will have an opportunity to tell your sides of the story at this hearing.

¹ Wyo. Stat. § 7-3-508(b)
² Wyo. Stat. § 7-3-508(a)
³ Wyo. Stat. § 7-3-510(b)