Orders for Protection

Anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence may obtain an Order for Protection (OFP) from Crow Wing County Court Administration. An adult has the ability to file a Petition for an Order for Protection on behalf of any minor or vulnerable adult victim.  

Defining Abuse

Domestic abuse is defined as any of the following conduct between family or household members; physical harm, injury, assault, rape, terrorist threats or making a person fearful of harm, injury or assault. Examples include hitting, kicking, pushing, punching, slapping, pulling hair, choking, holding you down, threatening to harm or kill you or the children, forcing sex or any sexual contact with a child.

Orders for Protection involve family members or members of a significant relationship. Harassment Restraining Orders involve parties who are not related or do not live in the same household. If you have any additional questions regarding the differences in these two orders, please contact Court Administration.

Order for Protection Process

After a petition is submitted, the District Judge reviews the documents for an OFP. Court Administration will then send the documents to the Sheriff's Office and the Civil Process Unit will process it for service. If the respondent resides in another county, Court Administration will forward the OFP to that county for service. For questions regarding service in counties outside of Crow Wing, please call the Sheriff's Office of that county or Court Administration.

The Sheriff's Office does not charge for the service of any Orders for Protection.

For additional information visit the Self Help Center on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. 

Victim Assistance

If you have been or currently are a victim of domestic violence, the following organizations can assist you: