Clear guidance when harassment disrupts your safety and daily life.
Threats, stalking, and harassment can make everyday activities feel difficult or unsafe. A civil harassment restraining order, often called a CHRO, is a civil court order that can protect you from qualifying conduct by someone outside an intimate or close family relationship.
Ariel Brownell handles civil harassment restraining order matters with a practical, attentive approach. Based in Walnut Creek, our firm focuses on Contra Costa County and also welcomes matters in Alameda and Solano counties.
How is a CHRO different from a DVRO?
A civil harassment case may involve a neighbor, coworker, acquaintance, landlord, or more distant relative. When the person is a current or former intimate partner, your child’s other parent, or a qualifying close relative, the domestic violence restraining order process may apply instead.
Choosing the right process matters. The relationship between the people involved and the conduct at issue determine which type of order may be available; the label someone uses for the situation does not decide the legal question.
What conduct may support a request?
Civil harassment orders can address qualifying harassment, stalking, violence, or threats of violence. The conduct may occur in person, through messages, or online. The court evaluates the specific facts and whether the legal requirements for protection are met.
A difficult relationship or ordinary disagreement does not automatically justify a restraining order. Dates, a clear description of incidents, relevant communications, and witness information can help explain what occurred. We can discuss which information is relevant and how to organize it for the court.
What can a civil harassment order do?
Depending on the facts, the court can prohibit harassment or contact, require the restrained person to stay a specified distance away, and protect additional household or family members. Firearm and other prohibited-item restrictions can apply.
A CHRO does not resolve every dispute between the people involved. It is not a substitute for an eviction case or a claim for money owed, and the civil harassment process does not decide child custody, visitation, or child support. Understanding those limits helps identify the appropriate legal path.
What to expect from the process
The process generally includes:
- Filing a request that explains the conduct, the people needing protection, and the orders requested. The judge considers any request for temporary protection before the hearing.
- Having the other person properly served with the court papers and submitting proof of service.
- Preparing relevant documents, messages, photographs, and witnesses for the hearing.
- Attending the hearing, where both sides can present their positions, and completing any further steps required by the court.
Temporary protection and an order issued after a hearing are separate decisions. The judge evaluates the request and determines whether relief is warranted.
Contra Costa has specific procedures for civil harassment filings, evidence, and appearances. A Zoom consultation with our office does not determine how your hearing will be held; any remote appearance must follow the court’s current requirements.
If you have been served with a request
Review the papers promptly, identify the hearing date, and obey any temporary orders already in effect. You can seek legal advice about responding and presenting your evidence. Missing the hearing can mean the court makes a decision without hearing your position.
Discuss your next step
Visit our Contact page to schedule a paid Zoom consultation with Ariel. We can discuss the circumstances, the type of protection involved, and the next steps for your matter.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 rather than waiting for a consultation.
Court resources
California Courts: Civil harassment restraining orders · Contra Costa Superior Court guidance