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EspañolWhat types of orders of protection against stalking or sexual assault are there? How long do they last?
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 negative (adverse) 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 both you and the abuser have an opportunity to offer evidence and testimony, 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.3 See Can I change, cancel or extend my order against stalking or sexual assault? for more information.
Note: If the abuser goes to jail while the final order of protection is in effect, the order will last longer than three years. This is known as the order being “tolled.”4 For more information about how this works, see What happens to my order of protection against stalking or sexual assault if the abuser goes to jail or prison?
1 Wyo. Stat. § 7-3-508(b)
2 Wyo. Stat. § 7-3-508(a)
3 Wyo. Stat. § 7-3-510(b)(i)
4 Wyo. Stat. § 7-3-510(b)(ii)
