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Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO)

Protection From Harassment, Threats, Stalking, and Abuse — Sonoma County

A Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO) is used when you need protection from someone who is not a spouse, dating partner, co-parent, or close family member. These cases often involve neighbors, roommates, former friends, acquaintances, coworkers, or strangers.

Civil harassment cases are common — and they are taken seriously by Sonoma County courts. Harassment does not have to be physical violence. Repeated conduct that causes fear, distress, or disruption to your life can qualify.

If you want to understand pricing and service options first, you can review them here: View Pricing & Packages. To get a quote based on your situation, use: Request a Quote or call (707) 343-9972 to see if you qualify for a free consultation.

Civil harassment cases sometimes overlap with emergency restraining orders or ex parte restraining orders when the risk is immediate.

What Qualifies as Civil Harassment

Civil harassment includes unlawful violence, credible threats of violence, stalking, harassment, or a course of conduct that seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses another person and serves no legitimate purpose.

Common CHRO situations include:

  • Stalking or repeated following
  • Threats of violence or intimidation
  • Harassing messages, emails, or social media contact
  • Neighbor disputes involving threats or ongoing harassment
  • Harassment by a former friend, roommate, or acquaintance
  • Workplace-related harassment outside of employer-filed cases

One isolated incident is often not enough. Courts look for a pattern of behavior unless the incident itself involves serious violence or a credible threat.

How Civil Harassment Cases Work

CHRO cases usually begin with a request for temporary orders. The court then sets a hearing where both sides may present evidence.

At the hearing, judges review declarations, witness statements, photographs, screenshots, call logs, police reports, and other exhibits. The court is focused on credibility, consistency, and relevance.

We assist clients who are seeking protection and clients who need help responding to or defending against a civil harassment request.

Civil Harassment Orders Can Have Serious Consequences

A CHRO can restrict contact, require stay-away distances, limit access to certain locations, and create criminal consequences if violated.

Orders may be issued for varying lengths of time depending on the facts and the judge’s findings.

Because these orders carry real consequences, they must be based on truthful allegations supported by evidence. Exaggerated or false claims can seriously damage credibility and may backfire against the person requesting protection.

We Build Clear, Credible Civil Harassment Cases

Civil harassment cases succeed or fail on organization and proof. Judges have limited time. You get one first impression.

We help by:

  • Pre-qualifying whether your situation fits civil harassment requirements
  • Identifying the strongest legally relevant facts
  • Drafting clean, chronological declarations
  • Organizing exhibits into a clear narrative
  • Assisting with witness declarations when appropriate

Our senior paralegal team has assisted with over 1,000 restraining orders that have been granted, including civil harassment cases throughout Sonoma County.

Emergency Situations & Immediate Risk

If harassment escalates into immediate danger, you may need to pursue an emergency restraining order or an ex parte restraining order .

Emergency requests must be truthful, necessary, and supported by evidence. Misuse of emergency procedures can result in serious court consequences.

Pricing, Packages & Next Steps

Pricing and service options for civil harassment restraining orders are available here: View Pricing & Packages.

Civil harassment cases are fact-specific. Submit your situation for review so we can tell you what level of service you need: Request a Quote.

Free consultation available if you qualify.
Call (707) 343-9972

Related Restraining Order Services

Get a Quote

If harassment is disrupting your life, you need a clear, enforceable court order.

Request a Quote

Free consultation available if you qualify.
Call (707) 343-9972

For pricing and service packages, visit: View Pricing & Packages