CLETS Restraining Order

A restraining order, also referred to as an order of protection, is an order that is issued by a court of law that is intended to restrict an individual from harming another individual. A restraining order is most typically issued in certain types of cases, including:

• Stalking;
• Abuse;
• Domestic violence; and
• Sexual assault cases.

A restraining order generally requires that the individual whom the order is issued against either does not engage in or engages in a certain act. For example, a restraining order may require an individual to stay 300 feet away from the individual who requested the restraining order.

In the alternative, a restraining order may require that an individual cease contacting the individual who requested the order. A restraining order may last for several days or several years.

It may also include criminal penalties if the order is violated. In general, a restraining order is issued in order to prevent one individual from physically harming another individual.

A restraining order, however, may also be issued to prevent economic or emotional harm. In addition, restraining orders may be issued to protect singular individuals as well as other family members and friends.

An example of this situation would be a child protection order. A protection order may also be put in place to protect:

• A business;
• Property; or
• The general public.

As previously noted, a restraining order may last for varying amounts of time, based upon the needs of the individual who is seeking protection as well as the court that ordered the protective measure. There are several different types of restraining orders that have different time frames, including:

• Emergency protective order (EPO): These orders are effective immediately. They are generally reserved for situations in which the safety and wellbeing of an individual or child is at risk;
  • The most common example is when a violent domestic dispute occurs. EPOs typically expire in a week or less or will last until a hearing can take place;

  When an individual is requesting a restraining order, they will have to provide basic proof that they are being victimized by another party. Acceptable evidence of this may include:

  • Physical evidence;
  • Witness testimony; and
  • Written statements.

  Actions which result in the issuance of a restraining order include, but are not limited to:

  • Harassment;
  • Stalking;
  • Physical violence;
  • Sexual assault;
  • Mental abuse;
  • Emotional abuse;
  • Kidnapping; and
  • Assault or battery.

  A restraining order is generally obtained in connection with a trial or by a direct request made to a judge. One example of obtaining a restraining order in connection with a trial would be a domestic violence trial.

  This type of restraining order often evolves into a more permanent restraining order. Directly requesting a restraining order with a judge most commonly occurs in conjunction with an emergency restraining order or a temporary restraining order.

  In addition, there are some restraining orders which may be obtained without the other party, the offender, being present. These types of orders are referred to as ex parte orders.

  Ex parte orders are most often provisional orders that are later changed into more lasting orders. Whether or not an order may be modified depends upon the type of restraining order which was initially issued.

  In most cases, a restraining order modification involves turning a temporary order into a more permanent order. An example of this would be when a temporary restraining order is issued at the beginning of a trial to protect a victim which the trial is occurring.

  Once the trial is complete, the court may issue a permanent order if they determine the offender committed the behavior they were accused of.

  Restraining orders may be relaxed or lifted if an offender demonstrates that they are rehabilitated or that they have completed various reformation requirements. These requirements may include parole or probation.

  No matter the type of modification, it must go through the court system and be approved by a judge. If the order is violated, the violator may be charged with contempt of court or face some other type of punishment, including criminal penalties.

  CLETS restraining orders are only available in California. CLETS stands for the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. This means that the information is provided to law enforcement.

  If a CLETS restraining order is in place against an individual, they cannot be in possession of a firearm. This may have a significant impact on an individual if they are employed in a profession which requires a gun, such as a security guard or a law enforcement officer.

  In addition, a CLETS restraining order will show up on a background check. Other lesser forms of restraining orders do not.

  1. How Does a CLETS Restraining Order Differ from Other Restraining Orders?
  2. What is a CLETS Background Check?
  3. Do I Need an Attorney to Contest or Obtain a CLETS Restraining Order?

  How Does a CLETS Restraining Order Differ from Other Restraining Orders?

  Typically, a California court will order a temporary restraining order, or TRO, before granting a CLETS restraining order. A temporary restraining order in California is not entered into the CLETS database and will not show up on a background check.

  In addition, a non-CLETS restraining order will generally not impact the restrained parties’ ability to possess a firearm. In California, a temporary restraining order is fairly easy to obtain.

  A court will often grant a TRO in a divorce case if one is requested. Although a TRO protects a party, it does not affect any other rights of the restrained party until a CLETS order is obtained.

  Elevating a temporary restraining order to a CLETS order is typically a significant process which requires a detailed hearing as well as the presence of both parties, unless there are very unusual circumstances. This is because a CLETS order goes on an individual’s background check and impacts their ability to possess a firearm.

  In addition a CLETS order will not go away without a court action. This is different from a temporary restraining order, which usually expires in a matter of days, weeks, or months.

  What is a CLETS Background Check?

  A background check is a process that allows individuals or employers to confirm that an individual is who they claim to be. It also provides an opportunity to review the individual’s:

  • Criminal record;
  • Education;
  • Employment history; and
  • Other information.

  In California, CLETS is a computer network which provides law enforcement and criminal justice agencies with access to a variety of databases which include data regarding an individual’s:

  • Criminal history;
  • Criminal record; and
  • Driving record information.

  When a CLETS background check is performed, it will provide all of this information as well as whether the individual has a CLETS restraining order against them.

  Do I Need an Attorney to Contest or Obtain a CLETS Restraining Order?

  If you need to obtain a restraining order, it may be helpful to consult with a criminal attorney. Your attorney will guide you through the process, file for the order, and represent you during any hearings.

  Your attorney will also assist with any modifications of the order in the future. If a restraining order has been issued against you, or is pending, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney to determine your rights.

  Your lawyer will assist you in defending against the order, if necessary, and protect your rights during the process.

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  LegalMatch Legal Writer

  Jennifer joined LegalMatch in 2020 as a Legal Writer. She holds a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law and has been a member of the Alabama State Bar since 2012. She is a certified mediator and guardian ad litem. She holds a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Spanish, both from Auburn University. Jennifer’s favorite part of legal work is research and writing. Jennifer enjoyed being a Law Clerk for a distinguished Circuit Judge in Alabama. She is a stay-at-home mom and homeschool teacher of three children. She enjoys reading and long evening walks with her husband. Read More

  Jennifer joined LegalMatch in 2020 as a Legal Writer. She holds a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law and has been a member of the Alabama State Bar since 2012. She is a certified mediator and guardian ad litem. She holds a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Spanish, both from Auburn University. Jennifer’s favorite part of legal work is research and writing. Jennifer enjoyed being a Law Clerk for a distinguished Circuit Judge in Alabama. She is a stay-at-home mom and homeschool teacher of three children. She enjoys reading and long evening walks with her husband.