TRO Court Case

The petitioner (person requesting the restraining order) presents their case first. They get to testify. When they are done testifying, you as the respondent, have a right to cross examine the petitioner. When that is completed, the petitioner can present other evidence, such as witnesses, if there are any. Any other witnesses testifying also allows you the right to cross examine those witnesses. When petitioner rests, you are allowed to present your case. You certainly are allowed to take the witness stand and testify in your own defense, if you chose to do that, and are subject to cross examination by the petitioner. You can also present witnesses as well, depending on how much time the court has allocated for the hearing. The typical running time is 30-45 minutes, but thay may vary from county to county. At the conclusion of all the testimony, the court will make a decision on the request for the restraining order and if the order should be granted, the length of time the order remains in effect. Most of the time, expect the court will issue the maximum time allowed under the statute.