A Personal Protection Order (PPO) is a Singapore Court order that prevents the offending family member from harming you, your children, or other family members. It is issued when the Court determines the likely occurrence of violence, and a protection order is required.
Unless the criminal consents to the award of the PPO, the PPO is only issued following a trial. Medical and police records can be valuable in obtaining a PPO.
Other Legal Protection Options
There are other legal alternatives the Court can grant for protection. You can consult with a lawyer at any reputable criminal and family law firm in Singapore regarding which option you should apply for regarding your situation. They include:
Expedited Order(EO)
An EO is a temporary PPO the court grants when an application after the filing of an application. The judge should determine the presence of an urgent risk of committing violence. An EO is valid for 28 days from the date it is issued unless extended by the Court. It expires on the date of the hearing.
Domestic Exclusion Order (DEO)
A DEO prohibits or limits the perpetrator from accessing the entire or a portion of the family home. Communicate your concerns with a family or criminal lawyer from reputable firms in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions About PPOs
Many still have questions about personal protection orders (PPO) and their execution. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
#1 Do you need a lawyer if you want to apply for a PPO?
You do not need a lawyer to apply for a personal protection order in Singapore. However, hiring one may be beneficial for your cause.
A reliable family or criminal lawyer in Singapore can assist and ensure that your application has appropriate representation. It ultimately improves your prospects of obtaining a PPO against the accused abuser.
#2 How long before you can receive a personal protection order?
The time between the filing and granting of a personal protection order by the Singapore Court can vary based on various circumstances. There is a possibility of receiving your PPO within a one or two-month period after filing. It is only possible if the responder agrees with the complaint in your application.
However, it can take longer if the respondent refuses the charges or denies the complaints. It can take three to five months before you can receive your PPO if it goes to Court. Consult with a reliable family or criminal lawyer from firms in Singapore to determine the best approach.
#3 How long does the PPO last after you receive it?
A personal protection order granted by the Singapore Court does not have a set time limit. The Court will provide the appropriate length of your PPO based on the facts of the case.
Hire a reputable family or criminal lawyer from firms in Singapore and communicate all your concerns. It will ensure you get the appropriate protection you need.
#4 What if you fear meeting the respondent for your PPO?
Many complainants are afraid to face the respondents due to the physical and emotional trauma they may have inflicted. Inform a therapist or a member of the Family Protection Centre if you are afraid of addressing the respondent in Court. They can help you arrange to attend court hearings by video connection via remote connection.
Court Absence
The Court can issue a Warrant of Arrest if a respondent fails to attend the hearing without a valid reason. However, failing to appear at the hearing as the applicant automatically revokes your request for a Personal Protection Order from the Singapore Court.
#5 What can you do if you are dissatisfied with the ruling?
There are circumstances when people are dissatisfied with the ruling of their PPOs. If you are unhappy with the decision on the personal protection order from the Singapore Court, you may appeal to a judge of the High Court’s Family Division.
You can accomplish this by submitting a Notice of Appeal within 14 days of receiving the order from the Court. The Court will also require you to pay security for costs. It is the sum of money to cover the other party’s fees if your appeal is unsuccessful.
#6 What happens if the other party disobeys the PPO?
If the respondent violates the provisions of the PPO, you must immediately file a police complaint. The Court has various punishments for violating the personal protection order in Singapore.
The responder may pay a fine of up to $2,000, be imprisoned for up to 6 months, or both. On the other hand, repeat violators might face a $5,000 fine, a 12-month prison sentence, or both.
The Court may increase the punishments if the PPO violates to protect a vulnerable adult. It can be a person aged 18 or older who cannot defend themselves from abuse due to a physical or mental condition. A first-time offender can pay a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Repeat offenders face fines of up to $8,000, imprisonment for up to 18 months or both.
#7 PPO Alteration, Suspension or Revocation
They also have the authority to alter, suspend or revoke the Personal Protection Order in Singapore. However, the applicant or respondent should apply for it.
Applying to revoke, suspend, or alter a PPO order is comparable to requesting a new PPO. However, you will not require any previous medical or police records. Instead, you will need the court order and your identifying documents, such as your NRIC or passport, for the PPO.
PPO Revocation
You or the respondent can request the revocation of your PPO for specific reasons. One of the reasons is if your relationship with the respondent has healed.
PPO Suspension
You can apply for a suspension of the PPO if you and the respondent are trying to mend your relationship. The relationship should display signs of improvement that a PPO is no longer essential. You can immediately apply for a revocation of a personal protection order at the Singapore Court if you have mended your relationship.
PPO Alteration or Variation
You can apply for your PPO to be more flexible if you think the respondent is not much of a threat anymore.
The Court has the right to reject your application or apply which measure is appropriate as they see fit. Communicate with a reliable family or criminal lawyer in Singapore to ensure you receive the best results.
Approach a Reputable Legal Professional
Aspect Law Chambers LLC is a premier criminal and family law firm in Singapore that strives to assist its clients in their struggle for justice. You can approach them if you need a divorce or a personal protection order (PPO). They can help you fill out your application, defend you in Court, and secure a PPO against the accused abuser.
You can also visit the firm if you need a probate lawyer in Singapore. Visit their website to learn more information.
