Protection Orders

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has the responsibility of serving certain court documents that pertain to domestic incidents. Among these are Child Custody Orders, Harassment Protection Orders, Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, and Show Cause Protection Orders. Serving these domestic related papers is a priority for the Sheriff’s Office, and it attempts to accomplish service in the most prompt and efficient way possible.

Protection Orders

There are two distinct types of Protection Orders; Harassment Protection Orders and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. Each have different requirements for issuance and are granted upon a judge’s acceptance of the merits of the petitioner’s application. Penalties for violation of either type of Protection Order are similar. If the application is unclear, or raises questions as to its merit, the judge will issue a Protection Order to Show Cause which sets a hearing before the Judge will decide whether or not to issue a Protection Order. handcuffs

  • Harassment Protection Orders may be granted against any person harassing the petitioner that has engaged in a “willful course of conduct” which has frightened the petitioner. Behaviors can include repeated telephone calls, stalking, and detention.
  • Domestic Abuse Protection Orders may be granted against a spouse, former spouse, a current or former roommate, a person that you have a child with, your child, or a relative. A petitioner must be able to show that this person has been physically violent or has threatened physical violence against the petitioner and caused her/him to fear physical harm by them. Under certain circumstances, temporary child custody may be addressed as part of the order.
  • Protection Order to Show Cause directs the responding party to appear in court to “show cause” why a Protection Order should not be issued against him/her. Failure to do so will result in the issuance of a Protection Order. Show cause orders can be issued in both harassment and domestic abuse situations.

Forms necessary to obtain a Protection Order are available at the Lincoln County District Court Clerk’s Office located on the 3rd floor of the Lincoln County Courthouse, 301 North Jeffers Street or the Community Rape Domestic Abuse Center located at 101 South Chestnut Street. Personnel will assist a petitioner in completing the forms at no cost.

Service Information

The Sheriff’s Office requires certain information to effect service of a Protection Order. If the information is not provided, the chances of service are greatly reduced. Service is necessary on any ex-parte Order of Protection before it can take effect. Please make sure all information provided in the Protection Order application is complete and accurate. If any new information is obtained, please notify the Sheriff’s Civil Division at (308)535-3550 so records can be updated.

The Sheriff’s Office will not call the petitioner when the Protection Order has been served. It is her/his responsibility to check on service by calling (308)535-3550 during regular business hours; please allow time for the Deputies to attempt service. It is advisable to wait until the day after receiving the Order to check. Repeated calls during business hours will not expedite the service of the Order which already has a top service priority.

If the Protection Order has not been served within 14 days after issuance, it must be returned to the Court. It may be issued again if new information is provided by the Court.

Costs

There are no service fees for the processing and service of Protection Orders.

Vacating the Order

A petitioner no longer desiring the Protection Order to remain in effect must petition the District Court to withdraw it. The Sheriff’s Office cannot stop service attempts or return the order without notification from the Court that the Order has been vacated.

Phone Numbers Regarding Domestic Violence

  • 24 hour Crisis Line for Rape and Domestic Abuse Center 308-534-3495, 800-876-6238.
  • Lincoln County District Court Clerk’s Office: (308)534-4350 Ex. 300
  • Community Domestic Violence Intervention Program: (308)534-5879.
  • Emergency Law Enforcement: 911