When people hear the term TPO, they’re often uncertain what it means—especially in a criminal defense context. TPO stands for Temporary Protection Order, and in Ohio, it carries serious legal weight.
A Temporary Protection Order is exactly that: temporary. It’s issued by a court—usually in domestic violence, stalking, or harassment cases—to protect one person (the protected party) from another person (the respondent). While the order is in place, the respondent is legally prevented from having contact with the protected party. That means no calls, texts, emails, no physical contact, or contact on social media. According to WomensLaw.org, a TPO is designed to protect an individual during the pendency of the underlying case.
Here’s what our criminal defense lawyer wants you to know about TPOs.
Preventing Contact and Restricting Access to Shared Assets
One of the primary purposes of a TPO is to prevent contact between the opposing parties. That includes strict limits: the respondent is ordered not to be within a certain distance or communicate with the protected person—whether in person, electronically, or through others. The order may also specify how close the respondent can be to the protected person in public or private spaces.
Beyond prohibiting contact, a TPO in Ohio can also include provisions that prevent opposing parties from removing each other from key legal or financial matters, such as:
- Taking the protected party off bills or leases
- Removing their name from property deeds
- Accessing or closing joint bank accounts
- Transferring or renegotiating shared assets like vehicles or real estate
These restrictions are designed to ensure the protected party remains financially and legally safeguarded during the period the order is in effect.
Is a TPO Is a Criminal Charge?
While a TPO is fundamentally a court order——it has criminal consequences if violated. In Ohio, violating a Temporary Protection Order may result in criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances, violations can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The state treats such violations seriously, and repeat violations or violations that involve physical harm, or threats can carry increased penalties. While the TPO itself is a court order, its enforcement lies in the criminal legal system.
TPO Violations are Not Expungable in Ohio
Another critical aspect is that in Ohio, a conviction for violating a TPO is not expungable. Unlike some minor misdemeanors or offenses that may later be sealed or expunged, a TPO violation will remain on a person’s criminal record permanently, meaning it may affect employment, housing, licensing, and other areas for the rest of one’s life.
Why Does a TPO Matter?
Temporary Protection Orders have significant legal and practical consequences. Here are several key reasons why they matter:
- Immediate protection: A TPO provides swift legal protection against potential abuse, harassment, assault, or stalking.
- Legal and financial security: The order can prevent sudden changes to shared financial and legal responsibilities.
- Serious penalties for violations: Violating a TPO is a criminal offense that stays on your record in Ohio.
- Legal complexity: A TPO becomes criminal when violated, requiring skilled legal defense.
Does a TPO Prevent Me from Possessing a Firearm?
A TPO can Order you to surrender your firearms, concealed carry license, and preclude you from possessing a firearm during the period the TPO is active. Due to the temporary nature of a TPO, your firearm rights can be restored once the TPO is expired or terminated. However, if there is a conviction for an offense of violence, depending on the offense itself, you could face a firearm disability.
Because a TPO has both civil and criminal implications, and because violations carry serious, lasting consequences, it’s essential to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible regarding your rights and how to best defend you. Get in touch with our team at AJLJ Law today for experienced legal counsel.
