Emergency Protective Order (EPO)
In California, there is a special type of restraining order called an Emergency Protective Order (EPO).
When the police respond to a domestic violence call, they have the option to contact a 24-hour hotline to consult with a judge about requesting an EPO.
If the judge decides that the EPO is necessary, it is issued immediately and becomes enforceable.
What's the difference between a TRO and an EPO?
Oversimplified, Emergency Protective Orders are police initiated and available 24/7. They are for immediate use in real-time emergencies, vs a Temporary Restraining Order, which requires filing a petition with the court.
EPOs are temporary and last only for 7 days. They can be extended or replaced with a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or a permanent one.
Related Reading: What Is A Restraining Order?
