Where may an abused person request an Emergency Protective Order?

• A. City Hall
• B. Magistrate's Office
• C. Sheriff's Office
• D. Court Clerk

Answer: (B)

An Emergency Protective Order is a judicial tool issued by a judge or magistrate to immediately protect someone from abuse. Because it requires a formal decision by a judicial officer, you go to the magistrate's office to file the petition. In that office, you can present your information, explain the danger, and a magistrate can grant the order right away if there’s credible risk. The order is typically temporary, lasting until a court holds a hearing to decide whether it should continue. Law enforcement can help with safety and serve the order, and the court clerk handles paperwork, but the authority to grant the protective order rests with the magistrate.