In Ontario, Canada, Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) are legal documents designed to protect individuals from harm or harassment by another person. They are issued by the court and outline specific conditions that the person named in the order must follow.
Violating a PPO can have serious consequences under Ontario law.
What is a Personal Protection Order (PPO)?
A Personal Protection Order, which is also known as a restraining order or peace bond, is a legal document issued by a court to protect someone from another person who is causing them harm or harassment.
PPOs can be obtained by anyone who feels threatened or harassed by another individual. They are often used in cases of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment.
To obtain a PPO in Ontario, you must apply to the court. You can do this by filing an application with the Ontario Court of Justice or the Superior Court of Justice. The application will ask you to provide information about why you need the PPO and any evidence or witnesses that support your request.
Once you file the application, a judge will review it and decide whether to grant the PPO.
If the judge believes there is enough evidence to warrant the order, they will issue the PPO with specific conditions that the other person must follow.
Conditions of a PPO
The conditions of a PPO vary depending on the circumstances of the case, but they often include the following:
No Contact
The person named in the PPO may be ordered to have no contact with the person who applied for the order. This means they cannot call, text, email, or visit the individual in person.
Stay Away
The person named in the PPO may be ordered to stay away from certain places, such as the person’s home, workplace, or school.
Surrender Weapons
If the person named in the PPO owns any weapons, they may be ordered to surrender them to the police.
Other Conditions
The judge may include other conditions in the PPO to ensure the safety of the person who applied for the order.
Consequences of Violating a PPO
Violating a PPO in Ontario is a serious offense with legal consequences. If the person named in the order fails to comply with any of the conditions, they can be charged with a criminal offense.
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, violating a PPO is considered a criminal offense under Section 127. It is punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the violation and the individual’s criminal history.
If you believe someone has violated a PPO against you in Ontario, it is important to report it to the police immediately. Provide them with any evidence or documentation you have, such as emails, texts, or witness statements.
The police will investigate the violation and may lay charges against the person who violated the PPO.
If the violation is deemed serious, the individual may be arrested and held in custody until they can appear before a judge.
Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) are an important legal tool for protecting individuals from harm or harassment in Ontario. They can be obtained through the court and come with specific conditions that the person named in the order must follow.
Violating a PPO is a serious offense under Ontario law and can result in criminal charges. If you believe someone has violated a PPO against you, it is important to report it to the police and seek legal assistance.
By understanding the laws and procedures surrounding PPOs in Ontario, you can take steps to protect yourself and ensure your safety.
Seeking Legal Assistance
If you need help with obtaining a PPO or enforcing one that has been violated, it is important to seek legal assistance. A lawyer who specializes in family law or criminal defense can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
That’s where we at Ontario’s Divorce Lawyer come in. We can provide you with the much-needed legal assistance. You can reach out to us so we can talk about your case as soon as possible.
