North Dakota

Overview When you apply for a Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) in North Dakota, the court’s decision rests heavily on the evidence you provide. The hearing is your opportunity to present your story in a structured, factual way that demonstrates why ongoing protection is necessary. Unlike criminal trials, restraining order hearings use a civil standard—“preponderance…

Overview North Dakota offers two principal civil protective mechanisms for people facing unwanted contact or harm: the Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) and the Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order (DCRO). Both empower victims to obtain court-ordered protection, but they differ in purpose, qualifying conduct, and evidence thresholds. A SARO specifically addresses sexual assault or attempted assault,…

Overview A Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) in North Dakota is a binding court directive carrying the full force of law. Any violation of it—whether through contact, proximity, or intimidation—is treated as a criminal offense under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-31-01.2(11). When a respondent knowingly disobeys such an order, the court and law enforcement respond immediately. Arrests…

Overview Filing a Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) in North Dakota is the first step in obtaining immediate and long-term protection from someone who has committed or threatened sexual assault. The process begins at your local North Dakota District Court, which serves as the filing authority for all restraining order petitions under N.D.C.C. §12.1-31-01.2. Each…

Overview In North Dakota, a Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) is a critical tool for survivors seeking protection from further contact, harassment, or intimidation by their assailant. One of the most empowering features of this process is that it is completely free of charge. Under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-31-01.2(12), no fees can be collected for filing,…

Overview In North Dakota, a Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) provides civil protection for survivors of sexual assault who need the law to formally prohibit their assailant from contacting, approaching, or harassing them. The order exists in two stages: an emergency (ex parte) order that takes effect immediately and a final order that lasts for…

Overview An Emergency (Ex Parte) Sexual Assault Restraining Order is a temporary protection order that a North Dakota judge can issue immediately—without notifying the respondent (the accused person)—if the court finds “reasonable grounds” to believe a sexual assault occurred and that immediate protection is necessary. The term ex parte means that the decision is made…

Overview The Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) forms provided by the North Dakota Court System give survivors of sexual assault an accessible, standardized way to ask the court for protection. These forms convert a personal experience of sexual assault into an official, court-recognized petition that can produce immediate and enforceable safety measures. Petitioners—people seeking protection—complete…

Overview A Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) is a civil remedy that allows a survivor of sexual assault to obtain enforceable protection from further contact, intimidation, or harassment by the offender. In North Dakota, these orders are governed by N.D.C.C. § 12.1-31-01.2 and are administered through the district-court system. Unlike criminal prosecutions, a SARO does…

Overview A Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) is a protective order authorized under North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-31-01.2. It is designed to protect victims of sexual assault by prohibiting an offender from contacting, harassing, or approaching the victim. This type of order applies even if the victim and offender have no domestic or family…