WI - Domestic Violence - 813.12. Domestic abuse restraining orders and injunctions

Primary Citation: Wis. Stat. Ann. § 813.12, 813.122, 813.123 Country of Origin: United States Last Checked: February, 2024 Alternate Citation: W. S. A. 813.12, 813.122, 813.123 Historical:

Summary: These Wisconsin statutes concern restraining orders or injunctions in domestic abuse cases, child abuse cases, and cases filed by "individuals as risk." In each of these laws, there are protections for “household pets,” defined as domestic animals that are not farm animals, as defined in s. 951.01(3), that are kept, owned, or cared for by the petitioner or by a family member or a household member of the petitioner. In both cases of domestic abuse and child abuse, a judge or circuit court commissioner shall issue a temporary restraining order ordering the respondent to refrain from removing, hiding, damaging, harming, or mistreating, or disposing of, a household pet, to allow the petitioner or a family member or household member of the petitioner acting on his or her behalf to retrieve a household pet, or any combination of these remedies requested in the petition. The domestic abuse and child abuse laws then outline the procedures for obtaining an injunction that includes those protections for domestic pets if requirements are met under the laws. In section 813.123, an "individual at risk," may also seek a TRO and injunction that orders the respondent to refrain from removing, hiding, damaging, harming, or mistreating, or disposing of, a household pet and allow the individual at risk or a guardian, guardian ad litem, family member, or household member of the individual at risk acting on his or her behalf to retrieve a household pet.

813.12. Domestic abuse restraining orders and injunctions

813.122. Child abuse restraining orders and injunctions.

813.123. Restraining orders and injunctions for individuals at risk

813.12. Domestic abuse restraining orders and injunctions

(1) Definitions. In this section:

(ad) “Caregiver” means an individual who is a provider of in-home or community care to an individual through regular and direct contact.

(ag) “Dating relationship” means a romantic or intimate social relationship between 2 adult individuals but “dating relationship” does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in a business or social context. A court shall determine if a dating relationship existed by considering the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the frequency of the interaction between the adult individuals involved in the relationship.

(am) “Domestic abuse” means any of the following engaged in by an adult family member or adult household member against another adult family member or adult household member, by an adult caregiver against an adult who is under the caregiver's care, by an adult against his or her adult former spouse, by an adult against an adult with whom the individual has or had a dating relationship, or by an adult against an adult with whom the person has a child in common:

1. Intentional infliction of physical pain, physical injury or illness.

2. Intentional impairment of physical condition.

3. A violation of s. 940.225(1), (2) or (3).

4. A violation of s. 940.32.

5. A violation of s. 943.01, involving property that belongs to the individual.

6. A threat to engage in the conduct under subd. 1., 2., 3., 4., or 5.

(ar) “Elder person” means any individual who is 60 years of age or older.

(b) “Family member” means a spouse, a parent, a child or a person related by blood or adoption to another person.

(ce) “Household pet” means a domestic animal that is not a farm animal, as defined in s. 951.01(3), that is kept, owned, or cared for by the petitioner or by a family member or a household member of the petitioner.

(cg) “Reasonable grounds” means more likely than not that a specific event has occurred or will occur.

(cj) “Regular and direct contact” means face-to-face physical proximity to an individual that is planned, scheduled, expected, or periodic.

(d) “Tribal court” means a court established by any federally recognized Wisconsin Indian tribe or band, except the Menominee Indian tribe of Wisconsin.

(e) “Tribal order or injunction” means a temporary restraining order or injunction issued by a tribal court under a tribal domestic abuse ordinance adopted in conformity with this section.

(2) Commencement of action and response. (a) No action under this section may be commenced by complaint and summons. An action under this section may be commenced only by a petition described under sub. (5)(a). The action commences with service of the petition upon the respondent if a copy of the petition is filed before service or promptly after service. If the judge or a circuit court commissioner extends the time for a hearing under sub. (3)(c) and the petitioner files an affidavit with the court stating that personal service by the sheriff or a private server under s. 801.11(1)(a) or (b) was unsuccessful because the respondent is avoiding service by concealment or otherwise, the judge or circuit court commissioner shall inform the petitioner that he or she may serve the respondent by publication of a summary of the petition as a class 1 notice, under ch. 985, and by mailing or sending a facsimile if the respondent's post-office address or facsimile number is known or can with due diligence be ascertained. The mailing or sending of a facsimile may be omitted if the post-office address or facsimile number cannot be ascertained with due diligence. A summary of the petition published as a class 1 notice shall include the name of the respondent and of the petitioner, notice of the temporary restraining order, and notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing regarding the injunction. The court shall inform the petitioner in writing that, if the petitioner chooses to have the documents in the action served by the sheriff, the petitioner should contact the sheriff to verify the proof of service of the petition.

(b) A petition may be filed in conjunction with an action affecting the family commenced under ch. 767, but commencement of an action affecting the family or any other action is not necessary for the filing of a petition or the issuance of a temporary restraining order or an injunction. A judge or circuit court commissioner may not make findings or issue orders under s. 767.225 or 767.41 while granting relief requested only under this section. Section 813.06 does not apply to an action under this section. The respondent may respond to the petition either in writing before or at the hearing on the issuance of the injunction or orally at that hearing.

(c) When the respondent is served with the petition under this subsection, the person who serves the respondent shall also provide the respondent all of the following information:

1. Notice of the requirements and penalties under s. 941.29 and notice of any similar applicable federal laws and penalties.

2. An explanation of s. 813.1285, including the procedures for surrendering a firearm and the circumstances listed under s. 813.1285 under which a respondent must appear at a hearing to surrender firearms.

3. A firearm possession form developed under s. 813.1285(5)(a), with instructions for completing and returning the form.

(2m) Two-part procedure. Procedure for an action under this section is in 2 parts. First, if the petitioner requests a temporary restraining order the court shall issue or refuse to issue that order. Second, the court shall hold a hearing under sub. (4) on whether to issue an injunction, which is the final relief. If the court issues a temporary restraining order, the order shall set forth the date for the hearing on an injunction. If the court does not issue a temporary restraining order, the date for the hearing shall be set upon motion by either party.

(3) Temporary restraining order. (a) A judge or circuit court commissioner shall issue a temporary restraining order ordering the respondent to refrain from committing acts of domestic abuse against the petitioner, to avoid the petitioner's residence, except as provided in par. (am), or any other location temporarily occupied by the petitioner or both, or to avoid contacting or causing any person other than a party's attorney or a law enforcement officer to contact the petitioner unless the petitioner consents in writing, to refrain from removing, hiding, damaging, harming, or mistreating, or disposing of, a household pet, to allow the petitioner or a family member or household member of the petitioner acting on his or her behalf to retrieve a household pet, or any combination of these remedies requested in the petition, or any other appropriate remedy not inconsistent with the remedies requested in the petition, if all of the following occur:

1. The petitioner submits to the judge or circuit court commissioner a petition alleging the elements set forth under sub. (5)(a).

2. The judge or circuit court commissioner finds reasonable grounds to believe that the respondent has engaged in, or based on prior conduct of the petitioner and the respondent may engage in, domestic abuse of the petitioner.

(aj) In determining whether to issue a temporary restraining order, the judge or circuit court commissioner shall consider the potential danger posed to the petitioner and the pattern of abusive conduct of the respondent but may not base his or her decision solely on the length of time since the last domestic abuse or the length of time since the relationship ended. The judge or circuit court commissioner may grant only the remedies requested or approved by the petitioner. The judge or circuit court commissioner may not dismiss or deny granting a temporary restraining order because of the existence of a pending action or of any other court order that bars contact between the parties, nor due to the necessity of verifying the terms of an existing court order.

(am) If the petitioner and the respondent are not married, the respondent owns the premises where the petitioner resides and the petitioner has no legal interest in the premises, in lieu of ordering the respondent to avoid the petitioner's residence under par. (a) the judge or circuit court commissioner may order the respondent to avoid the premises for a reasonable time until the petitioner relocates and shall order the respondent to avoid the new residence for the duration of the order.

(b) Notice need not be given to the respondent before issuing a temporary restraining order under this subsection. A temporary restraining order may be entered only against the respondent named in the petition.

(c) The temporary restraining order is in effect until a hearing is held on issuance of an injunction under sub. (4), except that the court may extend the temporary restraining order under s. 813.1285. The temporary restraining order is not voided if the respondent is admitted into a dwelling that the order directs him or her to avoid. A judge or circuit court commissioner shall hold a hearing on issuance of an injunction within 14 days after the temporary restraining order is issued, unless the time is extended upon the written consent of the parties, extended under s. 801.58(2m), or extended once for 14 days upon a finding that the respondent has not been served with a copy of the temporary restraining order although the petitioner has exercised due diligence. A judge or court commissioner may not extend the temporary restraining order in lieu of ruling on the issuance of an injunction.

(d) The judge or circuit court commissioner shall advise the petitioner of the right to serve the respondent the petition by published notice if with due diligence the respondent cannot be served as provided under s. 801.11(1)(a) or (b). The clerk of circuit court shall assist the petitioner with the preparation of the notice and filing of the affidavit of printing.

(4) Injunction. (a) A judge or circuit court commissioner may grant an injunction ordering the respondent to refrain from committing acts of domestic abuse against the petitioner, to avoid the petitioner's residence, except as provided in par. (am), or any other location temporarily occupied by the petitioner or both, or to avoid contacting or causing any person other than a party's attorney or a law enforcement officer to contact the petitioner unless the petitioner consents to that contact in writing, to refrain from removing, hiding, damaging, harming, or mistreating, or disposing of, a household pet, to allow the petitioner or a family member or household member of the petitioner acting on his or her behalf to retrieve a household pet, or any combination of these remedies requested in the petition, or any other appropriate remedy not inconsistent with the remedies requested in the petition, if all of the following occur:

1. The petitioner files a petition alleging the elements set forth under sub. (5)(a).

2. The petitioner serves upon the respondent a copy or summary of the petition and notice of the time for hearing on the issuance of the injunction, or the respondent serves upon the petitioner notice of the time for hearing on the issuance of the injunction.

3. After hearing, the judge or circuit court commissioner finds reasonable grounds to believe that the respondent has engaged in, or based upon prior conduct of the petitioner and the respondent may engage in, domestic abuse of the petitioner.

(aj) In determining whether to issue an injunction, the judge or circuit court commissioner shall consider the potential danger posed to the petitioner and the pattern of abusive conduct of the respondent but may not base his or her decision solely on the length of time since the last domestic abuse or the length of time since the relationship ended. The judge or circuit court commissioner may grant only the remedies requested by the petitioner. The judge or circuit court commissioner may not dismiss or deny granting an injunction because of the existence of a pending action or of any other court order that bars contact between the parties, nor due to the necessity of verifying the terms of an existing court order.

(b) The judge or circuit court commissioner may enter an injunction only against the respondent named in the petition. No injunction may be issued under this subsection under the same case number against the person petitioning for the injunction. The judge or circuit court commissioner may not modify an order restraining the respondent based solely on the request of the respondent.

(c)1. An injunction under this subsection is effective according to its terms, for the period of time that the petitioner requests, but not more than 4 years, except as provided in par. (d). An injunction granted under this subsection is not voided if the petitioner allows or initiates contact with the respondent or by the admittance of the respondent into a dwelling that the injunction directs him or her to avoid.

2. When an injunction expires, the court shall extend the injunction if the petitioner states that an extension is necessary to protect him or her. This extension shall remain in effect until 4 years after the date the court first entered the injunction, except as provided in par. (d).

4. Notice need not be given to the respondent before extending an injunction under subd. 2. The clerk of courts shall notify the respondent after the court extends an injunction under subd. 2.

(d)1. A judge or circuit court commissioner may, upon issuing an injunction or granting an extension of an injunction issued under this subsection, order that the injunction is in effect for not more than 10 years, if the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence stated on the record, that any of the following is true:

a. There is a substantial risk that the respondent may commit first-degree intentional homicide under s. 940.01, or 2nd-degree intentional homicide under s. 940.05, against the petitioner.

b. There is a substantial risk that the respondent may commit sexual assault under s. 940.225(1), (2), or (3), or under s. 948.02(1) or (2), against the petitioner.

1m. Upon request by the petitioner, a judge or circuit court commissioner may order that the injunction is in effect permanently if the respondent has been convicted of a violation of s. 940.225(1) to (3) in which the petitioner was the crime victim. An order based on a finding under this subdivision is subject to review and modification under s. 813.126(1m).

2. This paragraph does not prohibit a petitioner from requesting a new temporary restraining order under sub. (3) or injunction under this subsection before or at the expiration of a previously entered order or injunction.

(4g) Order; telephone services. (a) Unless a condition described in par. (b) exists, a judge or circuit court commissioner who issues an injunction under sub. (4) may, upon request by the petitioner, order a wireless telephone service provider to transfer to the petitioner the right to continue to use a telephone number or numbers indicated by the petitioner and the financial responsibility associated with the number or numbers, as set forth in par. (c). The petitioner may request transfer of each telephone number he or she, or a minor child in his or her custody, uses. The order shall contain all of the following:

1. The name and billing telephone number of the account holder.

2. Each telephone number that will be transferred.

3. A statement that the provider transfers to the petitioner all financial responsibility for and right to the use of any telephone number transferred under this subsection. In this subdivision, “financial responsibility” includes monthly service costs and costs associated with any mobile device associated with the number.

(b) A wireless telephone service provider shall terminate the respondent's use of, and shall transfer to the petitioner use of, the telephone number or numbers indicated in par. (a) unless it notifies the petitioner, within 72 hours after it receives the order, that one of the following applies:

1. The account holder named in the order has terminated the account.

2. A difference in network technology would prevent or impair the functionality of a device on a network if the transfer occurs.

3. The transfer would cause a geographic or other limitation on network or service provision to the petitioner.

4. Another technological or operational issue would prevent or impair the use of the telephone number if the transfer occurs.

(c) The petitioner assumes all financial responsibility for and right to the use of any telephone number transferred under this subsection. In this paragraph, “financial responsibility” includes monthly service costs and costs associated with any mobile device associated with the number.

(d) A wireless telephone service provider may apply to the petitioner its routine and customary requirements for establishing an account or transferring a number, including requiring the petitioner to provide proof of identification, financial information, and customer preferences.

(e) A wireless telephone service provider is immune from civil liability for its actions taken in compliance with a court order issued under this subsection.

(4m) Notice of restriction on firearm possession; surrender of firearms. (a) An injunction issued under sub. (4) shall do all of the following:

1. Inform the respondent named in the petition of the requirements and penalties under s. 941.29 and any similar applicable federal laws and penalties.

2. Except as provided in par. (ag), require in writing the respondent to surrender any firearms that he or she owns or has in his or her possession to the sheriff of the county in which the action under this section was commenced, to the sheriff of the county in which the respondent resides or to another person designated by the respondent and approved by the judge or circuit court commissioner, in accordance with s. 813.1285.

(ag) If the respondent is a peace officer, an injunction issued under sub. (4) may not require the respondent to surrender a firearm that he or she is required, as a condition of employment, to possess whether or not he or she is on duty.

(5) Petition. (a) The petition shall allege facts sufficient to show the following:

1. The name of the petitioner and that the petitioner is the alleged victim.

2. The name of the respondent and that the respondent is an adult.

3. That the respondent engaged in, or based on prior conduct of the petitioner and the respondent may engage in, domestic abuse of the petitioner.

4. If the petitioner knows of any other court proceeding in which the petitioner is a person affected by a court order or judgment that includes provisions regarding contact with the respondent, any of the following that are known by the petitioner:

a. The name or type of the court proceeding.

b. The date of the court proceeding.

c. The types of provisions regarding contact between the petitioner and respondent.

(am) The petition shall request that the respondent be restrained from committing acts of domestic abuse against the petitioner, that the respondent be ordered to avoid the petitioner's residence, or that the respondent be ordered to avoid contacting the petitioner or causing any person other than the respondent's attorney to contact the petitioner unless the petitioner consents to the contact in writing, or any combination of these requests.

(b) The clerk of circuit court shall provide the simplified forms provided under s. 49.165(3)(c) to help a person file a petition.

(c) A judge or circuit court commissioner shall accept any legible petition for a temporary restraining order or injunction.

(d) A petition may be prepared and filed by the person who alleges that he or she has been the subject of domestic abuse or by the guardian of an individual adjudicated incompetent in this state who has been the subject of domestic abuse.

(5b) Elder person petitioner. If the petitioner is an elder person, the court shall permit the petitioner to participate in hearings under this section by telephone or live audiovisual means.

(5g) Stipulation. If the parties enter into a stipulation to convert a petition under this section to a petition for a temporary restraining order or injunction under s. 813.125, the court may not approve that stipulation unless all of the following occur:

(a) Either or both parties submit an oral request on the record for the conversion explaining why the conversion of the petition is requested.

(b) The court addresses the petitioner personally and determines that the petitioner entered into the stipulation voluntarily and with an understanding of the differences between the orders issued under subs. (4) and (4m) and s. 813.125(4) and (4m).

(5m) Confidentiality of victim's address. The petition under sub. (5) and the court order under sub. (3) , (4), or (4g) may not disclose the address of the alleged victim. The petitioner shall provide the clerk of circuit court with the petitioner's address when he or she files a petition under this section. The clerk shall maintain the petitioner's address in a confidential manner.

(6) Enforcement assistance. (a) If an order is issued under this section, upon request by the petitioner the court or circuit court commissioner shall order the sheriff to accompany the petitioner and assist in placing him or her in physical possession of his or her residence.

(ag)1. The clerk of the circuit court shall forward to the sheriff any temporary restraining order, injunction, or other document or notice that must be served on the respondent under this section and the sheriff shall assist the petitioner in executing or serving the temporary restraining order, injunction, or other document or notice on the respondent. The petitioner may, at his or her expense, elect to use a private server to effect service.

2. If the petitioner elects service by the sheriff, the clerk of circuit court shall provide a form supplied by the sheriff to the petitioner that allows the petitioner to provide information about the respondent that may be useful to the sheriff in effecting service. The clerk shall forward the completed form to the sheriff. The clerk shall maintain the form provided under this subdivision in a confidential manner.

(am)1. If an injunction is issued or extended under sub. (4) or if a tribal injunction is filed under s. 813.128(3g), the clerk of the circuit court shall notify the department of justice of the injunction and shall provide the department of justice with information concerning the period during which the injunction is in effect and information necessary to identify the respondent for purposes of responding to a request under s. 165.63 or for purposes of a firearms restrictions record search under s. 175.35(2g)(c) or a background check under s. 175.60(9g)(a).

2. Except as provided in subd. 3., the department of justice may disclose information that it receives under subd. 1. only to respond to a request under s. 165.63 or as part of a firearms restrictions record search under s. 175.35(2g)(c) or a background check under s. 175.60(9g)(a).

3. The department of justice shall disclose any information that it receives under subd. 1. to a law enforcement agency when the information is needed for law enforcement purposes.

(b) Within one business day after an order or injunction is issued, extended, modified or vacated under this section, the clerk of the circuit court shall send a copy of the order or injunction, or of the order extending, modifying or vacating an order or injunction, to the sheriff or to any other local law enforcement agency which is the central repository for orders and injunctions and which has jurisdiction over the petitioner's premises.

(c) No later than 24 hours after receiving the information under par. (b), the sheriff or other appropriate local law enforcement agency under par. (b) shall enter the information concerning an order or injunction issued, extended, modified or vacated under this section into the transaction information for management of enforcement system. The sheriff or other appropriate local law enforcement agency shall also make available to other law enforcement agencies, through a verification system, information on the existence and status of any order or injunction issued under this section. The information need not be maintained after the order or injunction is no longer in effect.

(d) The issuance of an order under s. 813.12(3) or (4) is enforceable despite the existence of any other criminal or civil order restricting or prohibiting contact.

(e) A law enforcement agency and a clerk of circuit court may use electronic transmission to facilitate the exchange of documents under this section. Any person who uses electronic transmission shall ensure that the electronic transmission does not allow unauthorized disclosure of the documents transmitted.

(7) Arrest. (am) A law enforcement officer shall arrest and take a person into custody if all of the following occur:

1. A petitioner under sub. (5) presents the law enforcement officer with a copy of a court order issued under sub. (3) or (4), or the law enforcement officer determines that such an order exists through communication with appropriate authorities.

2. The law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the person has violated the court order issued under sub. (3) or (4) by any circuit court in this state.

(c) A respondent who does not appear at a hearing at which the court orders an injunction under sub. (4) but who has been served with a copy of the petition and notice of the time for hearing under sub. (4)(a)2. has constructive knowledge of the existence of the injunction and shall be arrested for violation of the injunction regardless of whether he or she has been served with a copy of the injunction.

(7m) Transcripts. The judge or circuit court commissioner shall record the temporary restraining order or injunction hearing upon the request of the petitioner.

(8) Penalty. (a) Whoever knowingly violates a temporary restraining order or injunction issued under sub. (3) or (4) shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both.

(b) The petitioner does not violate the court order under sub. (3) or (4) if he or she admits into his or her residence a person ordered under sub. (3) or (4) to avoid that residence.

(9) Notice of full faith and credit. An order or injunction issued under sub. (3) or (4) shall include a statement that the order or injunction may be accorded full faith and credit in every civil or criminal court of the United States, civil or criminal courts of any other state and Indian tribal courts to the extent that such courts may have personal jurisdiction over nontribal members.

Credits
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Source:
L.1979, c. 111, § 10, eff. May 1, 1980.
St.1979, § 813.025(2) .
St.1981, § 813.025(2) .
1983 Act 204, § 19, eff. April 24, 1984.
1983 Act 540, § 1, eff. June 8, 1984.
1985 Act 29, §§ 2415t, 2415w, eff. July 20, 1985.
1985 Act 135, § 75, eff. March 20, 1986.
1989 Act 193, §§ 1 to 5, eff. April 27, 1990 .
1993 Act 319, §§ 6m to 25, eff. April 30, 1994 .
1995 Act 71, §§ 16 to 18, eff. April 1, 1996 .
1995 Act 306, §§ 3 to 10, eff. May 16, 1996 .
1999 Act 162, § 27, eff. May 27, 2000 .
2001 Act 61, §§ 261 to 276, eff. June 1, 2002 .
2001 Act 109, §§ 519mb to 519my, eff. July 30, 2002 .
2003 Act 321, §§ 80 to 86, eff. June 1, 2004 .
2005 Act 387, § 255, eff. Dec. 1, 2006 .
2005 Act 443, § 265, eff. Jan. 1, 2007 .
2007 Act 20, § 3760, eff. July 1, 2008 .
2007 Act 124, §§ 1 to 4, eff. Apr. 4, 2008 .
2009 Act 262, §§ 1 to 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2010 .
2011 Act 35, § 44, eff. Nov. 1, 2011 .
2011 Act 266, § 5d, eff. Jan. 1, 2014 .
2013 Act 223, §§ 7 to 9, eff. April 10, 2014 .
2013 Act 311, §§ 1 to 3, eff. April 18, 2014 .
2013 Act 321, §§ 3 to 10, eff. Nov. 1, 2014 .
2013 Act 322, §§ 4 to 7, eff. April 18, 2014 .
2015 Act 109, § 2, eff. Nov. 13, 2015 .
2015 Act 195, § 53, eff. March 2, 2016 .
2015 Act 253, §§ 1 to 3, eff. March 3, 2016 .
2015 Act 349, §§ 2 to 4, eff. June 1, 2016 .
2015 Act 352, § 15, eff. April 13, 2016 .
2015 Act 353, §§ 1, 2, eff. July 1, 2016 .
2021 Act 76, §§ 10, 11, eff. Aug. 8, 2021 .
2021 Act 256, § 1, eff. April 17, 2022.

813.122. Child abuse restraining orders and injunctions.

(1) Definitions. In this section:

(a) “Abuse” has the meaning given in s. 48.02(1) (a) and (b) to (gm) and, in addition, includes a threat to engage in any conduct under s. 48.02 (1), other than conduct under s. 48.02 (1) (am).

(b) “Child” means any person under 18 years of age.

(d) “Child victim advocate” means any person who counsels child victims, assists child victims in coping with the impact of the crime or otherwise acts in support of child victims.

(e) “Household pet” means a domestic animal that is not a farm animal, as defined in s. 951.01(3), that is kept, owned, or cared for by a child victim or by a family member or a household member of a child victim.

(b) When the respondent is served with the petition under this subsection, the person who serves the respondent shall also provide the respondent with all of the following information:

1. Notice of the requirements and penalties under s. 941.29 and notice of any similar applicable federal laws and penalties.

3. A firearm possession form developed under s. 813.1285(5)(a), with instructions for completing and returning the form.

(3) General procedure. (a) Procedure for an action under this section is in 2 parts. First, if the petitioner requests a temporary restraining order, the court or circuit court commissioner shall issue or refuse to issue that order. Second, the court shall hold a hearing under sub. (5) on whether to issue an injunction, which is the final relief. If the court or circuit court commissioner issues a temporary restraining order, the order shall set forth the date for the hearing on an injunction. If the court or circuit court commissioner does not issue a temporary restraining order, the date for the hearing shall be set upon motion by either party.

(b) 1m. Except as provided in subd. 2m., the court or circuit court commissioner, on its or his or her own motion or the motion of any party, may order that a guardian ad litem be appointed for the child victim in accordance with s. 48.235.

2m. The court or circuit court commissioner shall appoint a guardian ad litem if the respondent is a parent of the child.

(bp) All persons, other than the parties, their attorneys, witnesses, child victim advocates, service representatives, as defined in s. 895.45(1)(c), court personnel and any guardian ad litem, shall be excluded from any hearing under this section.

(bq) Any record of an action under this section is confidential and is available only to the parties, their attorneys, any guardian ad litem, court personnel, the child victim, law enforcement, and any applicable court upon appeal, except that a record may be available to any other person as required by law, as necessary to effect service, or upon a court order for good cause shown.

(4) Temporary restraining order. (a) A judge or circuit court commissioner shall issue a temporary restraining order ordering the respondent to avoid the child victim's residence or any premises temporarily occupied by the child victim or both, to avoid contacting or causing any person other than a party's attorney to contact the child victim unless the petitioner consents in writing and the judge or circuit court commissioner agrees that the contact is in the best interests of the child victim, to refrain from removing, hiding, damaging, harming, or mistreating, or disposing of, a household pet, and to allow the petitioner or a family member or household member of the petitioner acting on his or her behalf to retrieve a household pet, if all of the following occur:

1. The petitioner submits to the judge or circuit court commissioner a petition alleging the elements set forth under sub. (6)(a).

2. The judge or circuit court commissioner finds reasonable grounds to believe that the respondent has engaged in, or based on prior conduct of the child victim and the respondent may engage in, abuse of the child victim.

(c) The temporary restraining order is in effect until a hearing is held on issuance of an injunction under sub. (5), except that the court may extend the temporary restraining order under s. 813.1285. A judge shall hold a hearing on issuance of an injunction within 14 days after the temporary restraining order is issued, unless the time is extended upon the written consent of the parties, extended under s. 801.58(2m), or extended once for 14 days upon a finding that the respondent has not been served with a copy of the temporary restraining order although the petitioner has exercised due diligence. A judge or court commissioner may not extend the temporary restraining order in lieu of ruling on the issuance of an injunction.

(5) Injunction. (a) A judge may grant an injunction ordering the respondent to avoid the child victim's residence or any premises temporarily occupied by the child victim or both, to avoid contacting or causing any person other than a party's attorney to contact the child victim unless the petitioner consents to that contact in writing and the judge agrees that the contact is in the best interests of the child victim, to refrain from removing, hiding, damaging, harming, or mistreating, or disposing of, a household pet, and to allow the petitioner or a family member or household member of the petitioner acting on his or her behalf to retrieve a household pet, if all of the following occur:

1. The petitioner files a petition alleging the elements set forth under sub. (6)(a).

3. After hearing, the judge finds reasonable grounds to believe that the respondent has engaged in, or based upon prior conduct of the child victim and the respondent may engage in, abuse of the child victim.

(b) If the respondent is the parent of the child victim, the judge shall modify the order under par. (a) to provide the parent reasonable visitation rights, unless the judge finds that visitation would endanger the child's physical, mental or emotional health. The judge may provide that any authorized visitation be supervised.

(d)1. An injunction under this subsection is effective according to its terms, but, except as provided in par. (dm), for not more than 2 years or until the child victim attains 18 years of age, whichever occurs first.

2. When an injunction expires, the court shall extend the injunction if the petitioner states that an extension is necessary to protect the child victim. This extension shall remain in effect until 6 months after the date the court first entered the injunction or until the child attains 18 years of age, whichever occurs first, except as provided in par. (dm).

3. If the petitioner states that an extension is necessary to protect the child victim, the court may extend the injunction for not more than 2 years or until the child attains 18 years of age, whichever occurs first, except as provided in par. (dm).

4. Notice need not be given to the respondent before extending an injunction under subd. 2. or 3. The clerk of courts shall notify the respondent after the court extends an injunction under subd. 2. or 3.

(dm)1. A judge may, upon issuing an injunction or granting an extension of an injunction issued under this subsection, order that the injunction is in effect for not more than 5 years, if the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence stated on the record, that any of the following is true:

a. There is a substantial risk that the respondent may commit first-degree intentional homicide under s. 940.01, or 2nd-degree intentional homicide under s. 940.05, against the child victim.

b. There is a substantial risk that the respondent may commit sexual assault under s. 940.225(1), (2), or (3), or under s. 948.02(1) or (2), against the child victim.

1m. Upon request by the petitioner, a judge may order that the injunction is in effect permanently if the respondent has been convicted of a violation of s. 948.02 or 948.025 in which the child victim was the crime victim. An order based on a finding under this subdivision is subject to review and modification under s. 813.126(1m).

2. This paragraph does not prohibit a petitioner from requesting a new temporary restraining order under sub. (4) or injunction under this subsection before or at the expiration of a previously entered order or injunction.

(e) An injunction under this section may direct the payment of child support using a method of calculation authorized under s. 767.511.

(5c) Order; telephone services. (a) Unless a condition described in par. (b) exists, a judge or circuit court commissioner who issues an injunction under sub. (5) may, upon request by the petitioner, order a wireless telephone service provider to transfer to the petitioner the right to continue to use a telephone number or numbers indicated by the petitioner and the financial responsibility associated with the number or numbers, as set forth in par. (c). The petitioner may request transfer of each telephone number he or she, or a minor child in his or her custody, uses. The order shall contain all of the following:

1. The name and billing telephone number of the account holder.

2. Each telephone number that will be transferred.

1. The account holder named in the order has terminated the account.

2. A difference in network technology would prevent or impair the functionality of a device on a network if the transfer occurs.

3. The transfer would cause a geographic or other limitation on network or service provision to the petitioner.

4. Another technological or operational issue would prevent or impair the use of the telephone number if the transfer occurs.

(e) A wireless telephone service provider is immune from civil liability for its actions taken in compliance with a court order issued under this subsection.

(5g) Confidentiality of addresses. The petition under sub. (6) and the court order under sub. (4), (5), or (5c) may not disclose the address of the petitioner or of the alleged child victim. The petitioner shall provide the clerk of circuit court with the address of the petitioner and of the alleged child victim when he or she files a petition under this section. The clerk shall maintain the addresses in a confidential manner.

(5m) Notice of restriction on firearm possession; surrender of firearms. (a) An injunction issued under sub. (5) shall do all of the following:

1. Inform the respondent named in the petition of the requirements and penalties under s. 941.29 and any similar applicable federal laws and penalties.

(ag) If the respondent is a peace officer, an injunction issued under sub. (5) may not require the respondent to surrender a firearm that he or she is required, as a condition of employment, to possess whether or not he or she is on duty.

(6) Petition. (a) The petition shall allege facts sufficient to show the following:

1. The name of the petitioner and the child victim.

2. The name of the respondent.

3. That the respondent engaged in, or based on prior conduct of the respondent and the child victim may engage in, abuse of the child victim.

4. If the payment of child support is requested, that the payment of child support is reasonable or necessary based on criteria provided under s. 767.511.

5. If the petitioner knows of any other court proceeding in which the petitioner is a person affected by a court order or judgment that includes provisions regarding contact with the respondent, any of the following that are known by the petitioner:

a. The name or type of the court proceeding.

b. The date of the court proceeding.

c. The types of provisions regarding contact between the petitioner and respondent.

(b) Upon request, the clerk of circuit court shall provide, without cost, the simplified forms obtained under s. 48.47(7)(d) to a petitioner.

(7) Contact. Any order under this section directing a person to avoid contact with a child victim prohibits the person from knowingly touching, meeting, communicating or being in visual or audio contact with the child victim, except as provided in any modifications of the order under sub. (5)(b).

(9) Enforcement assistance. (a)1. The clerk of the circuit court shall forward to the sheriff any temporary restraining order, injunction, or other document or notice that must be served on the respondent under this section and the sheriff shall assist the petitioner in executing or serving the temporary restraining order, injunction, or other document or notice on the respondent. The petitioner may, at his or her expense, elect to use a private server to effect service.

(am)1. If an injunction is issued or extended under sub. (5), the clerk of the circuit court shall notify the department of justice of the injunction and shall provide the department of justice with information concerning the period during which the injunction is in effect and information necessary to identify the respondent for purposes of responding to a request under s. 165.63 or for purposes of a firearms restrictions record search under s. 175.35(2g)(c) or a background check under s. 175.60(9g)(a).

3. The department of justice shall disclose any information that it receives under subd. 1. to a law enforcement agency when the information is needed for law enforcement purposes.

(c) The sheriff or other appropriate local law enforcement agency under par. (b) shall enter the information received under par. (b) concerning an order or injunction issued, extended, modified or vacated under this section into the transaction information for management of enforcement system no later than 24 hours after receiving the information and shall make available to other law enforcement agencies, through a verification system, information on the existence and status of any order or injunction issued under this section. The information need not be maintained after the order or injunction is no longer in effect.

(d) A law enforcement agency and a clerk of circuit court may use electronic transmission to facilitate the exchange of documents under this section. Any person who uses electronic transmission shall ensure that the electronic transmission does not allow unauthorized disclosure of the documents transmitted.

(10) Arrest. (am) A law enforcement officer shall arrest and take a person into custody if all of the following occur:

1. A petitioner under sub. (6)(a) presents the law enforcement officer with a copy of an order issued under sub. (4) or (5), or the law enforcement officer determines that such an order exists through communication with appropriate authorities.

2. The law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the person has violated the order issued under sub. (4) or (5).

(c) A respondent who does not appear at a hearing at which the court orders an injunction under sub. (5) but who has been served with a copy of the petition and notice of the time for hearing under sub. (5)(a)2. has constructive knowledge of the existence of the injunction and shall be arrested for violation of the injunction regardless of whether he or she has been served with a copy of the injunction.

(11) Penalty. Whoever knowingly violates a temporary restraining order or injunction issued under this section shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both.

(12) Notice of full faith and credit. An order or injunction issued under sub. (4) or (5) shall include a statement that the order or injunction may be accorded full faith and credit in every civil or criminal court of the United States, civil or criminal courts of any other state and Indian tribal courts to the extent that such courts may have personal jurisdiction over nontribal members.

Credits
<<For credits, see Historical Note field.>>
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Source:
1985 Act 234, § 6, eff. April 22, 1986.
1987 Act 332, § 64, eff. July 1, 1989.
S.Ct. Order dated Oct. 26, 1989, eff. Jan. 1, 1990 .
1991 Act 276, § 1, eff. May 14, 1992 .
1993 Act 227, § 23, eff. April 23, 1994 .
1993 Act 318, §§ 10, 11, eff. April 30, 1994 .
1995 Act 71, §§ 19 to 20h, eff. April 1, 1996 .
1995 Act 275, §§ 143 to 146, eff. July 1, 1996 .
1995 Act 306, § 11, eff. May 16, 1996 .
1995 Act 456, § 3, eff. July 11, 1996 .
1997 Act 292, § 316, eff. July 1, 1998 .
2001 Act 61, §§ 277 to 286, eff. June 1, 2002 .
2005 Act 155, § 22, eff. April 5, 2006 .
2005 Act 272, § 1g, eff. April 20, 2006 .
2005 Act 443, § 265, eff. Jan. 1, 2007 .
2007 Act 20, § 3761, eff. July 1, 2008 .
2007 Act 124, §§ 5 to 8, eff. Apr. 4, 2008 .
2009 Act 262, §§ 5, 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2010 .
2011 Act 35, § 45, eff. Nov. 1, 2011 .
2013 Act 223, §§ 10 to 12, eff. April 10, 2014 .
2013 Act 311, §§ 4 to 7, eff. April 18, 2014 .
2013 Act 321, §§ 11 to 18, eff. Nov. 1, 2014 .
2013 Act 322, §§ 8 to 13, eff. April 18, 2014 .
2015 Act 109, § 3, eff. Nov. 13, 2015 .
2015 Act 195, § 55, eff. March 2, 2016 .
2015 Act 253, §§ 4 to 6, eff. March 3, 2016 .
2015 Act 349, §§ 5, 6, eff. June 1, 2016 .
2015 Act 353, §§ 3, 4, eff. July 1, 2016 .
2021 Act 256, § 2, eff. April 17, 2022.

813.123. Restraining orders and injunctions for individuals at risk

(1) Definitions. In this section:

(a) “Abuse” has the meaning given in s. 46.90(1)(a).

(ae) “Adult at risk” has the meaning given in s. 55.01(1e).

(am) “Adult-at-risk agency” has the meaning given in s. 55.01(1f).

(b) “Bodily harm” has the meaning given in s. 46.90(1)(aj).

(br) “Caregiver” has the meaning given in s. 46.90(1)(an).

(cg) “Elder adult at risk” has the meaning given in s. 46.90(1)(br).

(d) “False representation” includes a promise that is made with the intent not to fulfill the promise.

(dm) “Financial exploitation” has the meaning given in s. 46.90(1)(ed).

(e) “Great bodily harm” has the meaning given in s. 939.22(14).

(eg) “Harassment” has the meaning given in s. 813.125(1)(am)4.

(ek) “Household pet” means a domestic animal that is not a farm animal, as defined in s. 951.01(3), that is kept, owned, or cared for by an individual at risk or an elder adult at risk or by a family member or a household member of an individual at risk or an elder adult at risk.

(ep) “Individual at risk” means an elder adult at risk or an adult at risk.

(fm) “Mistreatment of an animal” means cruel treatment of any animal owned by or in service to an individual at risk.

(g) “Neglect” has the meaning given in s. 46.90(1)(f).

(gr) “Self-neglect” has the meaning given in s. 46.90(1)(g).

(gs) “Stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct, as defined in s. 940.32(1)(a).

(b) The court may go forward with a petition filed under sub. (6) if the individual at risk has been adjudicated incompetent under ch. 880, 2003 stats., or ch. 54, notwithstanding an objection by an individual at risk who is the subject of the petition, or an objection by the guardian of the individual at risk.

(b) The court or circuit court commissioner, on its or his or her own motion or the motion of any party, shall order that a guardian ad litem be appointed for the individual at risk, if the petition under sub. (6) was filed by a person other than the individual at risk, and may order that a guardian ad litem be appointed in other instances when justice so requires.

(c) The court or circuit court commissioner, on its or his or her own motion or the motion of any party, may order any of the following:

1. That all persons, other than the individual at risk, the parties, their attorneys, a representative of the adult-at-risk agency or elder-adult-at-risk agency, witnesses, court personnel, and any guardian or any guardian ad litem, be excluded from any hearing under this section.

2. That access to any record of an action under this section be available only to the individual at risk, the parties, their attorneys, any guardian or any guardian ad litem, the adult-at-risk agency or elder-adult-at-risk agency, court personnel, and, upon appeal, any applicable court.

(4) Temporary restraining order. (a) Unless the individual at risk, guardian, or guardian ad litem consents in writing and the judge or circuit court commissioner agrees that the contact is in the best interests of the individual at risk, a judge or circuit court commissioner shall issue a temporary restraining order, as specified in par. (ar), if all of the following occur:

1. The petitioner submits to the judge or circuit court commissioner a petition alleging the elements set forth under sub. (6).

2. The judge or circuit court commissioner finds reasonable grounds to believe any of the following:

a. That the respondent has interfered with or, based on prior conduct of the respondent, may interfere with an investigation of the individual at risk, the delivery of protective services to or a protective placement of the individual at risk under ch. 55, or the delivery of services to an elder adult at risk under s. 46.90(5m); and that the interference complained of, if continued, would make it difficult to determine whether abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect has occurred, is occurring, or may recur.

b. That the respondent engaged in or threatened to engage in the abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, harassment, or stalking of an individual at risk or the mistreatment of an animal.

(ar) A temporary restraining order issued under par. (a) shall order the respondent to do one or more of the following:

1. Avoid interference with an investigation of the elder adult at risk under s. 46.90 or the adult at risk under s. 55.043, the delivery of protective services to or a protective placement of the individual at risk under ch. 55, or the delivery of services to the elder adult at risk under s. 46.90(5m).

2. Cease engaging in or threatening to engage in the abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, harassment, or stalking of an individual at risk or mistreatment of an animal.

2m. Refrain from removing, hiding, damaging, harming, or mistreating, or disposing of, a household pet and allow the individual at risk or a guardian, guardian ad litem, family member, or household member of the individual at risk acting on his or her behalf to retrieve a household pet.

3. Avoid the residence of the individual at risk or any other location temporarily occupied by the individual at risk, or both.

4. Avoid contacting or causing any person other than a party's attorney or a law enforcement officer to contact the individual at risk.

5. Engage in any other appropriate remedy not inconsistent with the remedies requested in the petition.

(5) Injunction. (a) Unless the individual at risk, guardian, or guardian ad litem consents in writing to a contact and the judge agrees that the contact is in the best interests of the individual at risk, a judge may grant an injunction ordering the respondent as specified in par. (ar), if all of the following occur:

1. The petitioner files a petition alleging the elements set forth under sub. (6).

2. The petitioner serves upon the respondent a copy of the petition and notice of the time for hearing on the issuance of the injunction, or the respondent serves upon the petitioner notice of the time for hearing on the issuance of the injunction. The notice served under this subdivision shall inform the respondent that, if the judge or circuit court commissioner issues an injunction, the judge or circuit court commissioner may also order the respondent not to possess a firearm while the injunction is in effect. The person who serves the respondent with the notice shall also provide the respondent with all of the following information:

a. Notice of the requirements and penalties under s. 941.29 and notice of any similar applicable federal laws and penalties.

b. An explanation of s. 813.1285, including the procedures for surrendering a firearm and the circumstances listed under s. 813.1285 under which a respondent must appear at a hearing to surrender firearms.

c. A firearm possession form developed under s. 813.1285(5)(a), with instructions for completing and returning the form.

3. After hearing, the judge finds reasonable cause to believe any of the following:

a. That the respondent has interfered with or, based upon prior conduct of the respondent, may interfere with an investigation of the elder adult at risk under s. 46.90 or the adult at risk under s. 55.043 and that the interference complained of, if continued, would make it difficult to determine if abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, harassment, or stalking of an individual at risk or mistreatment of an animal is occurring or may recur.

b. That the respondent has interfered with the delivery of protective services to or a protective placement of the individual at risk under ch. 55 after the offer of protective services or protective placement has been made and the individual at risk or his or her guardian, if any, has consented to receipt of the protective services or protective placement; or that the respondent has interfered with the delivery of services to an elder adult at risk under s. 46.90(5m).

c. That the respondent has engaged in or threatened to engage in the abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, harassment, or stalking of an individual at risk or the mistreatment of an animal.

(ar) An injunction granted under par. (a) shall order the respondent to do one or more of the following:

2. Cease engaging in or threatening to engage in the abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, harassment, or stalking of an individual at risk or the mistreatment of an animal.

3. Avoid the residence of the individual at risk or any other location temporarily occupied by the individual at risk, or both.

4. Avoid contacting or causing any person other than a party's attorney or a law enforcement officer to contact the individual at risk.

5. Any other appropriate remedy not inconsistent with the remedies requested in the petition.

(b) The injunction may be entered only against the respondent named in the petition.

(c)1. An injunction under this subsection is effective according to its terms, but for not more than 4 years, except as provided in par. (d).

2. When an injunction expires, the court shall extend the injunction if the petitioner states that an extension is necessary to protect the individual at risk. This extension shall remain in effect until 6 months after the date on which the court first entered the injunction, except as provided in par. (d).

3. If the petitioner states that an extension is necessary to protect the individual at risk, the court may extend the injunction for not more than 2 years, except as provided in par. (d).

(d)1. A judge may, upon issuing an injunction or granting an extension of an injunction issued under this subsection, order that the injunction is in effect for not more than 10 years, if the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence stated on the record, that any of the following is true:

a. There is a substantial risk that the respondent may commit first-degree intentional homicide under s. 940.01, or 2nd-degree intentional homicide under s. 940.05, against the person at risk.

b. There is a substantial risk that the respondent may commit sexual assault under s. 940.225(1), (2), or (3), or under s. 948.02(1) or (2), against the person at risk.

1m. Upon request by the petitioner, a judge may order that the injunction is in effect permanently if the respondent has been convicted of a violation of s. 940.225(1) to (3) in which the individual at risk was the crime victim. An order based on a finding under this subdivision is subject to review and modification under s. 813.126(1m).

1. The name and billing telephone number of the account holder.

2. Each telephone number that will be transferred.

1. The account holder named in the order has terminated the account.

2. A difference in network technology would prevent or impair the functionality of a device on a network if the transfer occurs.

3. The transfer would cause a geographic or other limitation on network or service provision to the petitioner.

4. Another technological or operational issue would prevent or impair the use of the telephone number if the transfer occurs.

(e) A wireless telephone service provider is immune from civil liability for its actions taken in compliance with a court order issued under this subsection.

(5g) Confidentiality of addresses. The petition under sub. (6) and the court order under sub. (4), (5), or (5c) may not disclose the address of the petitioner or of the individual at risk. The petitioner shall provide the clerk of circuit court with the address of the petitioner and of the individual at risk when he or she files a petition under this section. The clerk shall maintain the addresses in a confidential manner.

(5m) Restriction on firearm possession; surrender of firearms. (a) If a judge or circuit court commissioner issues an injunction under sub. (5) and the judge or circuit court commissioner determines, based on clear and convincing evidence presented at the hearing on the issuance of the injunction, that the respondent may use a firearm to cause physical harm to another or to endanger public safety, the judge or circuit court commissioner may prohibit the respondent from possessing a firearm.

(b) An order prohibiting a respondent from possessing a firearm issued under par. (a) remains in effect until the expiration of the injunction issued under sub. (5).

1. Inform the respondent named in the petition of the requirements and penalties under s. 941.29 and any similar applicable federal laws and penalties.

2. Except as provided in par. (d), require in writing the respondent to surrender any firearms that he or she owns or has in his or her possession to the sheriff of the county in which the action under this section was commenced, to the sheriff of the county in which the respondent resides, or to another person designated by the respondent and approved by the judge or circuit court commissioner, in accordance with s. 813.1285.

(d) If the respondent is a peace officer, an order issued under par. (a) may not require the respondent to surrender a firearm that he or she is required, as a condition of employment, to possess whether or not he or she is on duty.

(6) Petition. The petition shall allege facts sufficient to show the following:

(a) The name of the petitioner and the individual at risk.

(b) The name of the respondent and that the respondent is an adult.

(c) That the respondent interfered with or, based on prior conduct of the respondent, may interfere with an investigation of the elder adult at risk under s. 46.90(5), an investigation of the adult at risk under s. 55.043, the delivery of protective services to or a protective placement of the individual at risk under ch. 55, or the delivery of services to the elder adult at risk under s. 46.90(5m); or that the respondent engaged in, or threatened to engage in, the abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, stalking, or harassment of an individual at risk or mistreatment of an animal.

(d) If the petitioner knows of any other court proceeding in which the petitioner is a person affected by a court order or judgment that includes provisions regarding contact with the respondent, any of the following that are known by the petitioner:

1. The name or type of the court proceeding.

2. The date of the court proceeding.

3. The type of provisions regarding contact between the petitioner and respondent.

(6g) Elder adult-at-risk petitioner. If the petitioner is an elder adult at risk, the court shall permit the petitioner to participate in hearings under this section by telephone or live audiovisual means.

(7) Interference order. Any order under sub. (4)(ar)1. or 2. or (5)(ar)1. or 2. also shall prohibit the respondent from intentionally preventing a representative or employee of the county protective services agency from meeting, communicating, or being in visual or audio contact with the adult at risk, except as provided in the order.

(8) Enforcement assistance. (a)1. The clerk of the circuit court shall forward to the sheriff any temporary restraining order, injunction, or other document or notice that must be served on the respondent under this section and the sheriff shall assist the petitioner in executing or serving the temporary restraining order, injunction, or other document or notice on the respondent. The petitioner may, at his or her expense, elect to use a private server to effect service.

(b) Within one business day after an order or injunction is issued, extended, modified or vacated under this section, the clerk of circuit court shall send a copy of the order or injunction, or of the order extending, modifying or vacating an order or injunction, to the sheriff or to any other local law enforcement agency which is the central repository for orders and injunctions and which has jurisdiction over the vulnerable adult's premises.

(8m) Notice to department of justice. (a) If an order prohibiting a respondent from possessing a firearm is issued under sub. (5m), the clerk of the circuit court shall notify the department of justice of the existence of the order prohibiting a respondent from possessing a firearm and shall provide the department of justice with information concerning the period during which the order is in effect and information necessary to identify the respondent for purposes of responding to a request under s. 165.63 or for purposes of a firearms restrictions record search under s. 175.35(2g)(c) or a background check under s. 175.60(9g)(a).

(b) Except as provided in par. (c), the department of justice may disclose information that it receives under par. (a) only to respond to a request under s. 165.63 or as part of a firearms restrictions record search under s. 175.35(2g)(c) or a background check under s. 175.60(9g)(a).

(c) The department of justice shall disclose any information that it receives under par. (a) to a law enforcement agency when the information is needed for law enforcement purposes.

(9) Arrest. (am) A law enforcement officer shall arrest and take a person into custody if all of the following occur:

1. A petitioner presents the law enforcement officer with a copy of an order issued under sub. (4) or an injunction issued under sub. (5), or the law enforcement officer determines that such an order exists through communication with appropriate authorities.

2. The law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the person has violated the order issued under sub. (4) or the injunction issued under sub. (5).

(c) A respondent who does not appear at a hearing at which the court orders an injunction under sub. (5) but who has been served with a copy of the petition and notice of the time for hearing under sub. (5)(a)2. that includes the information required under sub. (5)(a)2. a., b., and c. has constructive knowledge of the existence of the injunction and may be arrested for violation of the injunction regardless of whether he or she has been served with a copy of the injunction.

(10) Penalty. Whoever intentionally violates a temporary restraining order or injunction issued under this section shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both.

Credits
<<For credits, see Historical Note field.>>
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Source:
1993 Act 445, § 65, eff. May 12, 1994 .
1995 Act 71, §§ 20p, 20t, eff. April 1, 1996 .
1995 Act 306, § 12, eff. May 16, 1996 .
1997 Act 27, § 5176g, eff. Oct. 14, 1997 .
1999 Act 185, § 193(1), eff. Sept. 1, 2000 .
2001 Act 61, §§ 287 to 290, eff. June 1, 2002 .
2005 Act 264, §§ 184 to 190, eff. Nov. 1, 2006 .
2005 Act 387, § 256, eff. Dec. 1, 2006 .
2005 Act 388, §§ 176 to 212, eff. Dec. 1, 2006 .
2007 Act 45, §§ 157 to 167, eff. Feb. 1, 2008 .
2007 Act 96, § 152, eff. March 28, 2008 .
2007 Act 124, §§ 8m to 12, eff. Apr. 4, 2008 .
2009 Act 262, §§ 7, 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2010 .
2013 Act 223, §§ 13, 14, eff. April 10, 2014 .
2013 Act 311, §§ 8 to 11, eff. April 18, 2014 .
2013 Act 321, §§ 18g to 18t, eff. Nov. 1, 2014 .
2013 Act 322, §§ 14 to 16, eff. April 18, 2014 .
2015 Act 109, § 4, eff. Nov. 13, 2015 .
2015 Act 195, § 57, eff. March 2, 2016 .
2015 Act 253, §§ 7 to 10, eff. March 3, 2016 .
2015 Act 349, §§ 7, 8, eff. June 1, 2016 .
2015 Act 353, §§ 5, 6, eff. July 1, 2016 .
2017 Act 365, § 111, eff. April 18, 2018 .
2021 Act 76, §§ 12, 13, eff. Aug. 8, 2021 .
2021 Act 256, § 3, eff. April 17, 2022.

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