Respond to a gun violence emergency protective order
- "Respond" means to let the judge and the other side know whether you agree or disagree with the request for restraining order, and why.
- If you want to respond in writing, you can complete a form and turn it in to the court. Responding in writing is optional and there is no penalty if you don't.
Before you start
Anything you put in your papers could be used against you in a criminal case. Talk to a lawyer if you have any concerns.
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If you don't have a lawyer, you may be able to get free help from your local court's self-help center.
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Hire a lawyer to help you with all or a part of your case. It’s possible to go through this process without a lawyer. But, having a restraining order against you may have a lot of consequences, and you may want to hire a lawyer.
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Read How Can I Respond to a Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order? (form GV-020-INFO) for more information about protecting your rights.
How to respond to a request for a restraining order
🔗 All court form links open in a new tab.
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Fill out the Response form (GV-020)
- Fill out the Response to Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order (form GV-020)
- Attach a copy of any evidence you have (pictures, text messages). If you need more time to put together evidence, you can let the judge know at your hearing (court date).
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Make copies of your completed GV-020
- After you’ve filled out and signed the Response (form GV-020), make 2 copies.
- You'll need the 2 copies, plus the original, when you file with the court.
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File your form
File your form:
- In person at the courthouse:
- Take your original and 2 copies to the courthouse listed on your EPO-002 you were served.
- At the courthouse, you’ll give all copies to the court clerk.
- The clerk will keep the original, stamp your copies, and return the copies to you. One copy is for your records. The other copy is for the other side.
- Online: You can file your papers online (called e-filing). Go to your court website to find out how to e-file.
💵 There is no fee to file a response.
- In person at the courthouse:
What's next?
Once you’ve completed and filed your forms, you'll need to have a copy mailed to the other side. This is called service and you will need to find another adult to do this for you.