What is an emergency protection order?

• A. A judge's warning to the arrestee
• B. A temporary seal on records
• C. A directive to increase court security
• D. A court order that prohibits the arrestee from committing family violence, stalking, communicating directly with or threatening the victim or a member of her family, going near the residence, place of employment, business, child care facility, or school where the person protected under the order reside or attend. This is also called a MOEP (magistrate's order of emergency protection).

Answer: (D)

Emergency protection orders are urgent court orders that provide immediate safety for a victim by restricting the abuser’s actions. They prohibit things like committing family violence, stalking, direct contact or threats against the victim or members of the victim’s family, and going near the victim’s residence, workplace, school, or other places the protected person goes. This is frequently issued by a magistrate as a magistrate’s order of emergency protection (MOEP) and takes effect right away to protect the person until a longer-term protective order can be decided at a later hearing. It’s something law enforcement can enforce and is typically served on the respondent. It’s not merely a warning, nor a seal on records, nor a directive about court security.