Fighting a No-Contact or Protective Order in Texas

 Posted on January 31, 2026 in Criminal Defense

Being served with a no-contact order or protective order can turn your life upside down instantly. These orders can force you out of your home. They can separate you from your children and damage your reputation. Despite the power they have to ruin lives, protective orders are issued quickly, often based on one-sided testimony without giving you a chance to tell your side of the story first.

If you have been served with a protective order in 2026, you need aggressive representation from a Cook County criminal defense attorney immediately. Whether the allegations are completely fabricated or blown out of proportion, you have the right to fight back with evidence and strong courtroom advocacy.

What Is a No-Contact or Protective Order in Illinois?

Illinois law allows alleged victims of domestic violence to request protective orders under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, 750 ILCS 60/. These orders come in two main types.

Emergency Order of Protection

An emergency order of protection can be issued immediately, often within hours of the petition being filed. The court grants these orders ex parte, which means without you being present or able to defend yourself. Emergency orders typically last 14 to 21 days.

Plenary Order of Protection

A plenary order of protection requires a full court hearing where both sides can present evidence. If granted, plenary orders can last up to two years and sometimes longer. These are the orders that cause the most serious long-term damage to your life.

Both types of orders can prohibit you from contacting the petitioner, force you to move out of your own home, restrict your access to your children, and require you to surrender firearms. Violating these orders is a criminal offense that can result in arrest and jail time.

What Are the Consequences of a Protective Order in Chicago?

The consequences of a protective order extend far beyond simply staying away from someone. These orders affect nearly every aspect of your life.

A protective order can force you to:

• Leave your own home immediately, even if you own it or pay the rent

• Stay away from your children or accept supervised visitation only

• Surrender all firearms and lose your FOID card

• Stay away from your workplace if the petitioner works there

• Avoid places the petitioner regularly visits

Beyond the immediate restrictions, protective orders create lasting problems. They appear on background checks, which can cost you job opportunities or professional licenses. They can be used against you in divorce and child custody cases. They damage your reputation in your community.

What Evidence Do You Need to Fight a Protective Order?

Protective orders are often granted based on the petitioner's testimony alone, with little or no supporting evidence. At the full hearing, you have the opportunity to present your own evidence and challenge their claims.

Strong evidence that can defeat a protective order includes:

• Text messages or emails that contradict the petitioner's timeline or claims

• Witness testimony from people who saw the alleged incidents

• Phone records showing who contacted whom

• Photos or videos that disprove allegations

• Evidence of false accusations in the past

The petitioner must prove their case by a "preponderance of the evidence." This means they must show it is more likely than not that abuse occurred. You do not have to prove your innocence. Your attorney's job is to create reasonable doubt and show that the petitioner has not met their burden of proof.

How Do You Fight a Protective Order in Court?

Fighting a protective order requires aggressive cross-examination and strategic presentation of evidence. Many attorneys are uncomfortable with aggressive courtroom tactics, but protective order hearings are not the time for passive representation.

Cross-Examining the Petitioner

The petitioner's testimony is usually the centerpiece of their case. An experienced defense attorney knows how to expose inconsistencies, exaggerations, and lies through careful cross-examination. This means asking pointed questions about:

• Specific details they may not have considered when making their allegations

• Timeline inconsistencies in their story

• Why they continued contact with you if they were truly afraid

• Their motives for seeking the order now

• Past behavior that contradicts their current claims

Effective cross-examination can dismantle a petitioner's case and show the judge that the allegations do not hold up under scrutiny.

Presenting Your Defense

Your testimony matters. With proper preparation, you can effectively tell your side of the story and explain what really happened. Your attorney should prepare you thoroughly for both your direct testimony and the cross-examination you will face from the petitioner's lawyer.

Call a Chicago, IL Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Today

A protective order can destroy your life, your reputation, and your future. You cannot afford to go into court without aggressive representation from an attorney who knows how to fight these cases and win.

Our Cook County domestic violence defense attorneys have more than 25 years of experience defending clients against protective orders and domestic violence charges. We investigate every angle, challenge every allegation, and fight aggressively in court to protect your rights. Call Luisi Legal Group at 773-276-5541 today for a consultation. We are ready to fight for you.