Portland, Oregon Defense Attorneys for Stalking Protective Orders

Stalking Protective Orders are serious Oregon court orders that can severely restrict your freedom and reputation, even before criminal charges are filed. In Portland, these orders can be issued quickly based on limited evidence and may immediately affect your ability to contact others, visit public spaces, or maintain employment. A granted SPO becomes part of your permanent record and can be the basis for future criminal prosecution.

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, our Multnomah County defense attorneys aggressively defend individuals accused of stalking or facing a stalking protective order. We understand how easily these orders can be misused or granted based on misunderstandings, exaggerations, or false claims. Whether you’re responding to a hearing notice or have already been served, we will fight to protect your rights and reputation. We can help.

Call us now at 541-359-4585, contact us online, or schedule a confidential free intake call or a paid in-depth consultation with our criminal defense team in Portland.

What Is a Stalking Protective Order in Oregon?

A Stalking Protective Order (SPO) is a civil court order designed to stop unwanted contact that causes fear or intimidation. These orders can be issued without a criminal conviction and are often based on subjective claims of repeated or alarming behavior.

To obtain an SPO, the petitioner must show:

• At least two separate unwanted contacts.
• The contacts caused reasonable fear for personal safety or the safety of a family member.
• The contacts were intentional, alarming, and not protected speech.

Common behaviors that may be cited include:

• Repeated texting or calling.
• Showing up uninvited at someone’s home or workplace.
• Following someone in public.
• Sending unwanted gifts or messages.
• Monitoring someone’s activity online or in person.

While some claims are legitimate, many are exaggerated, misinterpreted, or intentionally false—especially in breakups, workplace issues, or family disputes. If you’ve been served or notified of a hearing, time is critical. Call our Portland stalking protective order defense attorneys immediately for a legal response tailored to your case.

What Are the Immediate Consequences of an Oregon Stalking Protective Order?

A temporary SPO can immediately restrict your freedom and impose serious legal obligations even before the final hearing. Violating the terms of the order—even by accident—can result in arrest and criminal charges.

A stalking protective order may:

• Prohibit any contact with the petitioner, including in-person, phone, text, email, or social media.
• Order you to stay away from the petitioner’s home, school, or workplace.
• Require you to surrender firearms.
• Appear in background checks, affecting employment or housing.
• Lead to criminal charges if the order is violated or if a pattern of behavior continues.

These restrictions can occur immediately after service—sometimes without your side of the story being heard. Please don’t ignore the order or assume it will go away alone. Reach out to our Portland defense team to take control of the situation.

Can I Challenge a Stalking Protective Order in Court?

If you’ve been served with a temporary stalking protective order, you have the right to a contested court hearing, which is usually held within 30 days. At this hearing, the judge will consider both sides and decide whether to dismiss or make the order permanent.

We defend against SPOs by:

• Examining the alleged contacts to determine if they meet the legal definition of stalking.
• Presenting evidence that the contacts were unintentional, lawful, or misinterpreted.
• Challenging the petitioner’s credibility and potential ulterior motives.
• Highlighting a lack of fear or exaggeration in the petitioner’s conduct or testimony.
• Demonstrating your lack of intent to cause fear or alarm.

We prepare thoroughly for these hearings, including witness testimony, timelines, digital evidence, and legal argumentation. Your opportunity to fight the SPO is limited. Call our Portland defense lawyers today to start preparing your defense.

How Are Stalking Protective Orders Misused in Portland?

While SPOs are intended to protect individuals from legitimate threats, they are sometimes used as legal weapons in emotionally charged situations. Sometimes, a person may file for an SPO not out of fear but to gain leverage, inflict reputational harm, or retaliate.

Misuse of SPOs is common in:

• Contentious breakups or relationship disputes.
• Ongoing workplace conflicts.
• Landlord-tenant disagreements.
• Custody battles or family law cases.
• Attempts to pre-emptively discredit someone before criminal charges are filed.

We carefully evaluate every case to determine whether the petition is motivated by legitimate concern or manipulation—and we expose those motives in court. Don’t let someone misuse the legal system to control your life. Let us help you fight back with a strong, evidence-based defense.

What Happens If a Stalking Protective Order Becomes Permanent?

The consequences extend beyond the courtroom if a judge grants a permanent SPO. A permanent order can last years and be used as evidence in future legal disputes—even unrelated matters.

Permanent SPOs can:

• Affects job opportunities, professional licenses, and academic status.
• Be used against you in family law, custody, or immigration matters.
• Trigger mandatory firearm restrictions.
• Serve as grounds for criminal charges if the petitioner alleges a future violation.
• Remain visible in public court records and background checks.

We work to prevent these outcomes and seek modifications or terminations of existing SPOs when circumstances change. The long-term consequences are too serious to ignore. Call us today to protect your future and fight for your rights.

Served With a Stalking Protective Order in Portland? Act Now.

If you’ve been served with a stalking protective order—or believe one is coming—don’t wait. These cases move quickly, and your response must be strategic, timely, and backed by experienced legal advocacy.

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we understand what’s at stake. We approach every case urgently and precisely, using proven defense strategies to challenge false or exaggerated claims and protect your rights.

Call us now at 541-359-4585, contact us online, or schedule a confidential free intake call or a paid in-depth consultation with our criminal defense team in Portland. We’re ready to fight for your freedom, reputation, and future.