Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHRO) – Orange County

Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHRO) in Orange County – Defense Lawyers

Introduction

If you’ve been served with a Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO) in Orange County, you may feel shocked, embarrassed, or uncertain about what to do next. Unlike Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs), CHROs apply when the petitioner and respondent are not related or closely connected—for example, disputes between neighbors, coworkers, roommates, landlords and tenants, or acquaintances.

The consequences of a CHRO are serious: loss of firearm rights, criminal penalties for violations, restrictions on where you can live, work, or travel, and reputational harm that can impact jobs or background checks. At Power Trial Lawyers, we regularly defend clients facing CHROs in Santa Ana’s Central Justice Center, Newport Beach’s Harbor Justice Center, Fullerton’s North Justice Center, and Westminster’s West Justice Center.

What Is a Civil Harassment Restraining Order in Orange County?

Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 527.6, a Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO) may be filed when someone alleges:

• Harassment, threats, or stalking by a neighbor, acquaintance, or stranger.
• Repeated, unwanted contact such as phone calls, texts, or messages.
• Harassment that causes substantial emotional distress.
• Abuse that does not fall under family or intimate partner law.

Key difference from DVROs: DVROs require a domestic or close family relationship; CHROs are for “non-domestic” relationships.

Who Typically Files CHROs in Orange County?

• Neighbors alleging noise disputes, property line conflicts, or surveillance.
• Coworkers or employers claiming harassment in the workplace.
• Roommates or landlords/tenants disputing housing conflicts.
• Former friends or acquaintances alleging unwanted contact.
• Strangers in cases of stalking or harassment after brief encounters.

What Happens When You’re Served With a CHRO in Orange County?

1. Service of Papers: You are given notice of the petition and hearing date.
2. Temporary Restraining Order (TRO): Judges may issue a TRO that restricts contact until the hearing.
3. Hearing Date (≈21 Days): At the courthouse, both sides present evidence and testimony.
4. Judge’s Decision: The court decides whether to dismiss or grant a long-term CHRO (up to 5 years).

Warning: Missing your hearing almost always means the order will be granted by default. In addition, do not contact the other party, even to “get evidence”, as that can be a violation of a pending restraining order.

Consequences of a Civil Harassment Restraining Order

Being subject to a CHRO can mean:

• Loss of Firearm Rights: You must surrender any firearms and cannot legally own or possess them while the order is active.
• Criminal Charges for Violations: Violating a CHRO is a crime under Penal Code § 273.6, punishable by jail, probation, or fines.
• Job & Career Impact: Employers and licensing boards may act if they discover an active restraining order.
• Housing Restrictions: CHROs often prohibit being near the petitioner’s home, workplace, or school.
• Public Record: CHROs are court orders and may appear on background checks.

Defending Against a Civil Harassment Restraining Order in Orange County

Procedural Defenses

• Improper service of papers.
• Insufficient notice or missing forms.
• No qualifying harassment under the statute.

Substantive Defenses

• False or exaggerated allegations (often filed for revenge, leverage, or personal disputes).
• Mutual conflict rather than one-sided harassment.
• Lack of credible evidence (no witnesses, no police reports, no corroboration).
• Protected free speech (in some disputes, alleged “harassment” is actually lawful speech or communication).

Evidentiary Defense

We gather and present:

• Witness statements from neighbors, coworkers, or third parties.
• Text messages, emails, social media posts showing the petitioner initiated contact.
• Videos or photos disproving harassment claims.
• Police reports showing the allegations are unfounded or dismissed.

What to Expect at Your CHRO Hearing in Orange County

Each courthouse (Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Westminster) has its own practices, but you can expect:

• Both parties present evidence and witnesses.
• Judges decide credibility quickly. Preparation is critical.
• Orders may last up to 5 years. The petitioner can request renewal.

We know the tendencies of Orange County judges and how they weigh evidence in CHRO cases, which gives our clients a tactical advantage.

Why You Need a Civil Harassment Restraining Order Defense Lawyer

Search intent queries we optimize for:

• “How to fight a civil harassment restraining order in Orange County”
• “CHRO defense lawyer Santa Ana”
• “Civil harassment restraining order attorney near me”

Why choose Power Trial Lawyers:

• Local Knowledge: We regularly appear in Orange County courthouses.
• Courtroom Strategy: We know how to cross-examine petitioners and reveal contradictions.
• Protection of Your Rights: We defend not just against the CHRO, but also against related criminal charges if alleged violations occur.

FAQs – Civil Harassment Restraining Orders in Orange County

Q: How long does a CHRO last?
A CHRO can last up to 5 years and may be renewed.

Q: Can I own a gun if I have a CHRO in Orange County?
No. You must surrender firearms for the duration of the order.

Q: Can a CHRO affect my job?
Yes. Employers and licensing agencies may discover restraining orders on background checks.

Q: Do I really need a lawyer for a CHRO hearing?
While not required, having an experienced lawyer greatly improves your chances of dismissal or limitation of the order.

Call Power Trial Lawyers Today

If you’ve been served with a Civil Harassment Restraining Order in Orange County, do not take it lightly. Missing deadlines or going to court unprepared can have lasting consequences.

Call Power Trial Lawyers at 888-808-2179 today for a confidential consultation with an Orange County restraining order defense lawyer. We’re ready to fight for your rights and future.