Overview

A Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order (DCRO) in North Dakota is a civil court order designed to stop intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures intended to affect someone’s safety, security, or privacy. It is available even when the harasser is not a family or household member. The governing law appears in North Dakota Century Code Chapter 12.1-31.2, which defines “disorderly conduct,” outlines what a judge may order, and explains the effect of violating the order. Petitioners file in district court using standardized forms published by the North Dakota Court System’s Legal Self Help Center. The process typically starts with a written petition describing specific incidents (dates, places, witnesses, and any law-enforcement reports), and a judge may issue a temporary order the same day if there are reasonable grounds, followed by a prompt hearing where both sides can be heard.

A DCRO is different from a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) or Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO). DVPOs and SAROs are available when specific relationship or conduct criteria are met; DCROs cover broader harassment-type behavior regardless of relationship. North Dakota’s judiciary publishes instructions and petition forms for each track, and recent legislative materials group these under the umbrella of “civil protection orders.” Choosing the correct track matters because filing fees, proof standards, and relief details can differ. If you are unsure which is appropriate, the Self Help Center suggests carefully reviewing the instructions and consulting an attorney or advocate when possible.

Who Can Apply

A Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order (DCRO) is available to any adult in North Dakota who is experiencing intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures intended to adversely affect their safety, security, or privacy. You do not need a family or household relationship with the respondent; DCROs cover neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, or strangers. Parents or legal guardians may file on behalf of a minor who is a victim of disorderly conduct. File in the North Dakota district court for the county where you or the respondent lives, or where the conduct occurred, using the judiciary’s official self-help instructions and petition forms. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Before filing, confirm that your facts align with the statutory definition of “disorderly conduct”: intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures intended to adversely affect another person’s safety, security, or privacy. Constitutionally protected activity (for example, peaceful picketing or other protected speech) is excluded. If your situation involves intimate-partner violence or sexual assault, the Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) or Sexual Assault Restraining Order (SARO) tracks may provide a better fit with different forms and remedies. The North Dakota Court System’s Legal Self Help Center explains the differences and provides packets for each option. If cost is a concern, you can also ask the court to waive filing fees by submitting the state’s fee-waiver petition and financial affidavit. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Benefits of a DCRO

A DCRO provides fast, clear, and enforceable relief aimed at stopping harassment. Judges can issue temporary (ex parte) orders the same day upon a sworn showing of reasonable grounds, followed by a prompt hearing for a final order—giving immediate protection while preserving due process. Final orders can prohibit contact in any form (in-person, phone, text, email, social media, or through third parties), require the respondent to stay away from your home, work, or school, and include other tailored terms that protect your safety and privacy. These orders are civil in nature but are enforceable by law enforcement; violations can lead to arrest and criminal penalties, which is why the written order includes explicit warnings and is transmitted to law enforcement systems.

DCROs are also accessible. The North Dakota judiciary publishes step-by-step instructions and standardized forms (petition, affidavits, and guide sheets) that self-represented litigants can complete without a lawyer, and many courts accept supporting evidence such as screenshots, messages, and police incident numbers. If paying a filing fee is a hardship, the court provides fee-waiver forms so cost doesn’t block access. In short, the DCRO process offers a practical path to prompt protection, clear boundaries, and enforceability—especially when the harasser isn’t a family or household member and other protection-order tracks don’t apply.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility & Choose the Correct Protection Track

Begin by making sure your facts fit North Dakota’s DCRO framework. The statute defines “disorderly conduct” as intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures intended to adversely affect another person’s safety, security, or privacy. The definition expressly includes conduct like stalking-type behavior and even human trafficking attempts, and it excludes constitutionally protected activity such as peaceful picketing or other First Amendment-protected speech. Translate that definition into the concrete experiences you can describe: repeated late-night visits, threatening messages, showing up outside your workplace, or surveillance-style behaviors that cause fear or invade privacy. Write down specific dates, times, places, and what was said or done, because courts evaluate incidents, not general feelings.

Next, confirm that a DCRO—not a different order—is the best fit. If the respondent is a current or former intimate partner or household member and the conduct includes physical harm, fear of imminent harm, or forced sexual activity, you may qualify for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), which has its own forms and remedies. If the core of your case is sexual assault without an ongoing relationship, a Sexual Assault Restraining Order may be appropriate. The Legal Self Help Center provides comparison pages and packets for all three. Choosing the right path avoids delays and lets you ask for the most suitable relief. When in doubt, review the judiciary’s pages for each order and consider contacting an advocate.

Venue is simple: file in a North Dakota district court where you or the respondent resides or where the conduct occurred. (Municipal courts are not authorized to issue DCROs under long-standing attorney general guidance.) District courts handle these petitions statewide and have clerks familiar with DCRO processing. Before you go, check your district court’s website for any local instructions or scheduling practices.

Understand what a judge can order. A DCRO can prohibit harassment and contact in any form (in-person, phone, text, email, social media, or through third parties). It can also require the respondent to stay away from your home, workplace, school, or other named places. The order must clearly state the court’s directives and warn that violation is a crime. Recent legislative materials and the codified chapter emphasize that these are civil orders with criminal consequences if violated, which is why precision in your requested terms is essential. Make a short list of the specific no-contact and stay-away boundaries you need, plus any addresses that require protection.

Finally, think about temporary, urgent protection. If ongoing behavior puts you at risk, you may request a temporary DCRO the day you file. Judges can issue a temporary order ex parte (without the respondent present) upon a sworn showing of reasonable grounds. Temporary orders typically last until the full hearing, which courts set promptly so both sides can be heard. Build your petition so it supports both immediate and final relief: detail the most recent and alarming incidents first; attach police reports, screenshots, or witness statements where available; and identify places requiring an immediate stay-away radius. This preparation in Step 1 sets a strong, statute-anchored foundation for everything you do next.

Step 2: Gather Evidence & Complete the Official Petition Packet

Courts decide DCRO petitions on facts supported by evidence. Before writing anything, assemble what proves the conduct and your need for protective terms. Prioritize: (1) police reports, incident numbers, or 911 logs; (2) screenshots of texts, social media messages, and emails showing threats, harassment, or surveillance; (3) photos or videos of stalking, property damage, or uninvited presence; (4) voicemail transcripts; (5) witness statements with contact info; and (6) any prior restraining orders, bond conditions, or criminal case numbers. Organize these chronologically with labels like “Petitioner Exhibit A—Text Messages (June 3–12, 2025).” Even if you cannot attach every item at filing, your petition should reference what exists and promise copies for the hearing. Judges appreciate organized packets that tell a clear, time-sequenced story.

Download the current Petition for Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order and its companion instructions from the North Dakota Court System’s Self Help Center. The petition prompts you to swear, under penalty of perjury, to a narrative of specific events, including dates and witnesses. Use plain, factual language: who did what, when, where, and how it affected your safety, security, or privacy. Avoid adjectives and conclusions (“he’s crazy,” “she’s evil”); stick to observable behavior (“On May 28 at 11:47 p.m., respondent stood on my apartment landing, pounded the door, and shouted ‘I’m watching you’ for three minutes.”). If you have multiple incidents, number them. This format mirrors what magistrates look for and tracks the statute’s elements.

In the section asking what relief you want, be specific. Check “no contact in any form,” list addresses for stay-away zones (home, workplace, child’s school), and include a radius (for example, 100 yards). If the respondent has used third parties to relay messages, request a prohibition on indirect contact. If cyberstalking is an issue, ask for no contact by electronic means, including social media and messaging apps. The statute allows the court to tailor directives that protect your safety, so precision helps the clerk draft orders the sheriff and police can easily enforce.

If you need protection now, request a temporary (ex parte) DCRO. In your narrative, place the most dangerous or recent events at the top and explain why you believe harm or serious harassment will continue without an immediate order. Identify any upcoming intersections (shared workplace, neighborhood events) where contact is likely. The judge may grant temporary relief the same day and set a prompt hearing date so both sides can be heard. Bring or upload any corroboration (e.g., a police case number or ER discharge note) to strengthen this request.

Finally, complete any fee waiver paperwork if you cannot afford filing fees. The Self Help Center instructions explain how to submit an affidavit asking the court to waive fees; judges decide based on financial information. Note that some sources mention an $80 filing fee for DCROs, with exceptions when the case is within domestic-violence criteria—another reason to choose the correct track in Step 1. Keep originals and make clean copies: one set for the court, one for service on the respondent, and one for your records. Label every exhibit, keep staples to a minimum for scanning, and be ready to certify that your attachments are true and correct copies.

Step 3: File in District Court, Ask for a Temporary Order, and Plan for Service

With your petition packet assembled, go to the clerk of district court in the appropriate county or use any e-filing or drop-box option the county provides. Tell the clerk you are filing a Petition for Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order and, if applicable, a request for a Temporary (Ex Parte) Order. The clerk will time-stamp your documents, assign a case number, and route the materials to a judge for same-day or prompt review. Many North Dakota districts can present emergency matters to an on-call judge; otherwise, a judge typically reviews DCRO filings quickly given their public-safety nature. If approved, the temporary order will prohibit contact and set a hearing date at which both sides can appear and present evidence. The written order must include notice that violating it is a crime, which ensures police can arrest a violator without a warrant when probable cause exists.

At filing, pay the filing fee unless you are seeking a waiver. Fee levels vary and have been quoted by public legal resources at around $80, with possible exceptions in domestic-violence contexts; your clerk’s office is the best source for the exact current amount. If you submitted a fee-waiver affidavit, ask the clerk how the judge’s decision will be communicated and whether processing of your petition will proceed pending that decision. Keep your receipt and a clock-stamped copy of your petition; bring them to the hearing.

Ask the clerk about service of process. The respondent must be formally served with the petition, any temporary order, and the notice of hearing. Service options commonly include sheriff service or other legally authorized methods that create a reliable proof of delivery. Provide a good physical address (home, work, or other known location) and any practical details that help the sheriff complete service (gate codes, apartment numbers, best hours). If you have reason to believe the respondent will evade service, say so; some courts will encourage prompt follow-up or alternative methods consistent with North Dakota rules. Service must be completed far enough in advance to preserve the hearing date; otherwise, the hearing may be continued to allow proper notice.

Use this filing moment to double-check logistics and safety. Confirm the hearing date and whether the court permits remote testimony, which can be helpful for victims fearful of in-person encounters. Ask where to report on the day of hearing, whether weapons screening is required, and how to submit additional exhibits that come to light after filing (for example, new harassing texts that arrive next week). If you requested a temporary order and the judge grants it, obtain several certified copies. Keep one with you at all times, give one to your workplace or school security desk if appropriate, and provide one to local law enforcement so the order appears in their systems promptly. North Dakota law directs prompt transmission of granted orders to law enforcement; having a certified copy in hand further streamlines enforcement if a violation occurs.

If a temporary order is not granted immediately, don’t be discouraged. Some judges prefer to hear from both parties first, especially when the written record is thin or facts are disputed. In that case, your next tasks are to make sure service is completed quickly and to prepare for the hearing by refining your exhibits and witness list. Either way, filing converts your concerns into a live case with a case number, a scheduled hearing, and a clear path toward enforceable protection if the court finds reasonable grounds at the hearing.

Step 4: Serve the Respondent Properly

After filing, the court cannot proceed until the respondent is legally notified—this is called service of process. For a Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order (DCRO), proper service ensures due process and gives the court authority to issue a final order that will be respected by law enforcement statewide. Start by confirming with the clerk what documents must be served: typically the stamped petition, any temporary (ex parte) order, the notice of hearing, and any local information sheet. Ask whether the sheriff’s office or a designated process server performs service for DCRO cases in your county; many district courts rely on the sheriff because it produces a clear, admissible proof of service. Accurate addresses are crucial: provide the respondent’s residential address, workplace, and any alternative locations, plus practical notes such as apartment numbers, typical hours, or vehicle description to help the deputy locate the right person safely and quickly.

Choose the fastest reliable method the court offers. Sheriff service is often preferred because it generates an official return showing date, time, and person served. If the court permits personal service by a professional process server, confirm that the server is authorized and will file a sworn return promptly. Avoid attempting service yourself—you are not allowed to personally hand the documents to the respondent in most protection-order proceedings, and doing so risks confrontation. If your clerk allows service by certified mail, weigh the trade-offs: certified mail can be cheaper, but evasive respondents sometimes refuse or fail to sign, which delays your case. If certified mail is returned unclaimed or refused, request re-issuance using personal service without waiting until the hearing date; proactive follow-up keeps your hearing on calendar.

Timing matters. Read your notice of hearing carefully to see any minimum days-of-notice requirement. If service is not completed in time, the court may continue (postpone) the hearing to preserve the respondent’s right to appear. Mark a calendar reminder for a check-in about a week before the hearing; call the clerk or review the online docket to confirm whether the return of service has been filed. If not, contact the sheriff/process server immediately and ask for status. If they report difficulty locating the respondent, promptly file any motion the court suggests (for example, asking for additional time or alternative service consistent with North Dakota rules). Bringing fresh, verified address information can mean the difference between a continuance and a decisive hearing.

Safety is paramount. If the sheriff asks whether it is safe to serve at a particular location or time, be candid—information about weapons, past threats, or intoxication patterns helps deputies plan safer service attempts. If you fear retaliation once papers are served, develop a safety plan: change routines for a few days, inform trusted neighbors or your workplace security, and carry a certified copy of any temporary order. North Dakota courts expect petitioners to avoid contact with the respondent during the case; do not tip off the respondent or attempt to “help” service by confronting them. Let trained officers handle the encounter.

Pay attention to who must be served. For an individual respondent, the person named must be personally served unless your court has authorized an alternative method. For an organizational respondent (rare but possible), service may need to be made on a registered agent or officer; check the caption on your petition and the court’s instructions to avoid mis-service that could invalidate the case. If the respondent is a minor, ask the clerk whether a parent or guardian must also be served. If the respondent is out of state, confirm whether your sheriff will forward papers or if you must arrange service in the other jurisdiction; many sheriffs will provide guidance or contact information for their counterparts.

Document everything. Keep receipts, tracking numbers, and the sheriff’s invoice; staple or scan them into your file. If the respondent tries to dodge service while still contacting or surveilling you, save the new messages—that behavior strengthens your case and could support extending a temporary order. When the proof of service hits the docket, print or save a copy; bring it to the hearing. Judges sometimes begin by verifying service, and having your own copy helps if the file is thin or the electronic record is delayed. Completing Step 4 correctly transforms your filed packet into a live, ready-for-decision case by guaranteeing the other side has formal notice and the court has unquestioned jurisdiction.

If service ultimately fails despite diligent effort, do not assume the case is over. Many courts will continue the hearing and provide instructions to attempt service again or pursue another permissible method. Ask the clerk whether the court requires a written motion or if a verbal request at the hearing will suffice; be prepared to show the court what attempts were made and why you believe the respondent is evading service. Persistence, thorough documentation, and coordination with the sheriff increase the likelihood that service will be completed and your case will be heard promptly on the merits.

Step 5: Prepare for the Hearing—Evidence, Witnesses, and Your Presentation

A strong hearing plan converts your lived experience into a clear, persuasive record. Start by drafting a concise timeline of incidents that meet the DCRO definition: intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures intended to adversely affect your safety, security, or privacy. Anchor each event with date, time, location, and witness names. Next to each entry, list the exhibit that proves it (e.g., “June 2, 10:41 p.m.—Exhibit B (text message screenshot)”; “June 6, outside my office—Exhibit C (security camera still)”). Judges appreciate an orderly narrative because it speeds fact-finding and shows credibility. Keep the timeline to one or two pages for quick reference during testimony; the goal is to help you stay calm and focused.

Exhibit preparation is where many self-represented petitioners win or lose. Print screenshots and photos in legible size with timestamps visible; avoid dark, low-contrast prints. Number your exhibits sequentially (Ex. A, B, C…) and prepare at least three full sets—one for the judge, one for the respondent, and one for you. If your court allows digital evidence, confirm the format (PDF for documents, MP4 for short videos) and any email or portal submission deadlines; some courts require exhibits to be delivered 24–48 hours before the hearing. For audio/video, bring a device and headphones and verify the courtroom has playback capability; also print a short transcript or summary so the key statements are in the written record.

Witnesses add weight when they observed key incidents firsthand. Call each witness to confirm availability and directions to the courthouse. Explain that they will be sworn and should describe what they personally saw or heard, not opinions or rumors. Provide them the date and time, parking guidance, and a copy of any exhibit they will discuss. If a crucial witness is reluctant, ask the clerk about subpoena procedures and deadlines. As a practical matter, prioritize the one or two witnesses who can corroborate your most serious events; too many can dilute focus in a short docket.

Rehearse your testimony. A simple, reliable structure is: (1) identify yourself; (2) state what protection you are requesting (no contact in any form, stay-away zones, indirect-contact prohibition, etc.); (3) explain the most recent and severe incidents first, referencing exhibits; (4) describe the impact on your safety, security, or privacy (loss of sleep, fear at home/work, needing escorts, changing routines); (5) close by explaining why you believe the conduct will continue without an order. Keep sentences short and factual. Avoid editorializing; let the pattern and evidence speak. If you become emotional, pause, breathe, and continue—judges understand these cases are stressful.

Step 7: Attend the Hearing and Present Your Case

Your hearing is the decisive stage of the DCRO process. It’s where the judge determines whether the conduct you described meets the statutory definition of “disorderly conduct” and whether a restraining order is necessary to protect your safety or privacy. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and security screening. Dress neatly and bring your entire case file—petition, temporary order (if any), service proof, exhibits, and witness list—organized in a folder. When your case is called, step forward promptly and address the judge as “Your Honor.” This shows respect and sets the tone for professionalism.

The hearing is generally brief—often 15 to 30 minutes—but every word matters. You will testify under oath, summarizing the pattern of harassment, intrusion, or unwanted contact. Start with the most serious or recent incidents, supported by specific evidence. For each event, clearly identify the date, what occurred, and how it affected your safety or privacy. Refer to your labeled exhibits (“Exhibit A: text messages,” “Exhibit B: police report”) and hand them to the bailiff when the judge requests them. If a temporary order was issued earlier, the judge will review whether those grounds remain valid for a longer-term order.

The respondent then has the right to present their side. Stay calm while they speak; do not interrupt. Judges notice composure. Take notes on points you wish to correct when it’s your turn to respond. If the respondent admits to contact but minimizes intent, clarify the repeated or intimidating nature of their actions. If they deny everything, point to physical evidence and witness corroboration. Always keep your remarks short and factual; judges weigh credibility heavily, and exaggeration can undercut your position.

When witnesses testify, let them speak freely in their own words. They must stick to firsthand knowledge—what they saw or heard. Avoid prompting or signaling. After each witness, the judge or opposing party may ask clarifying questions. If new information arises during the hearing, such as fresh incidents or continuing contact after service, alert the judge immediately; that often justifies extending or strengthening the order.

After both sides finish, the judge will either rule immediately or take the matter under advisement and issue a written decision later. If the order is granted, review the specific restrictions carefully. Ask the clerk for certified copies and provide them to law enforcement agencies in all relevant jurisdictions. If denied, the judge will explain the reasons, often focusing on insufficient proof of intent or lack of a continuing threat. Regardless of outcome, thank the court before leaving. A respectful demeanor leaves a positive record should you need to appeal or seek future modification.

Step 8: Understand the Judge’s Decision and Its Immediate Effects

When the judge issues a decision, the document is called the Order for Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order. If granted, it specifies what the respondent is prohibited from doing—such as contacting you, approaching your residence, or communicating through intermediaries. The order’s text is binding from the moment the judge signs it. The clerk transmits it to law enforcement for entry into the statewide and national protection-order databases, allowing officers anywhere in North Dakota to enforce it immediately. Keep several certified copies with you: one for your records, one for your workplace or school, and one for your local police department.

If the court denies the order, read the reasoning carefully. Judges may find that the evidence didn’t show intent to affect safety or privacy or that the conduct was isolated and unlikely to recur. A denial does not mean your concerns were unfounded; it may mean the facts did not meet the statutory definition. You can file a new petition later if additional incidents occur. If the denial was based on procedural issues—like incomplete service—you can often refile after fixing those errors.

For a granted DCRO, pay attention to duration. Most orders last up to two years, though the judge can set a shorter or longer period based on the facts. The order will specify its expiration date. Mark it clearly on your calendar. Violating the order is a criminal offense under North Dakota law, punishable by arrest, fines, and jail. Always report violations immediately to law enforcement; bring a certified copy of the order and any new evidence of contact (calls, texts, drive-bys, etc.). Police can arrest on probable cause without a warrant when a valid order is in place.

If you disagree with the judge’s decision, you have the right to appeal. File a notice of appeal within the time limit—usually 30 days in North Dakota—at the same clerk’s office. The appeal will go to the appropriate district or supreme court level depending on procedure. Appeals focus on whether the lower court applied the law correctly, not on re-trying the facts. You’ll need a transcript of the hearing and should consider consulting an attorney for appellate guidance.

After judgment, continue practicing personal safety. If the respondent violates the order, document each incident with dates, photos, or screenshots. Notify law enforcement immediately and keep a log for possible contempt or criminal charges. If circumstances change—for example, if you move, change jobs, or discover new threats—you can request modification of the order. Step 8 thus closes the courtroom phase and opens the enforcement phase, where vigilance and documentation ensure that your legal victory translates into real-world safety.

Step 9: Enforce or Modify the Order as Needed

Winning a DCRO is only the beginning. Enforcement ensures that the respondent complies with the judge’s restrictions. The order itself instructs police to act if violations occur, but your vigilance provides the evidence they need to intervene. Keep a detailed journal of all contact attempts—texts, calls, in-person encounters, or social media messages. Include dates, times, screenshots, and witness names. Report each violation immediately to law enforcement. Bring a certified copy of the order when filing your report; officers can verify it in their statewide database but having a copy speeds action. If police make an arrest, the state’s attorney may file criminal charges for violation of a restraining order.

If violations continue or escalate, file a motion for contempt or motion to modify with the district court. A contempt motion asks the judge to impose penalties (fines or jail) for willful noncompliance. A modification motion seeks to change the terms—extending the duration, adding new stay-away zones, or clarifying prohibited conduct. To file, complete the standard motion form from the Self Help Center, attach your evidence of violation, and submit it to the clerk. The court will schedule a short hearing to determine next steps. Keep every new report organized; showing a consistent pattern of defiance strengthens your position.

If your life circumstances change—such as relocation, job changes, or reconciliation attempts—consult the clerk before taking any step that might inadvertently void the order. Only a judge can modify or cancel it. Never rely on informal agreements with the respondent; even mutual contact can confuse enforcement officers. If both parties wish to dissolve the order, they must appear before the judge and file a joint motion to vacate. Until the judge signs that order, the existing DCRO remains fully enforceable.

For cross-state safety, remember that North Dakota restraining orders are recognized nationwide under the federal Violence Against Women Act full-faith-and-credit provision. This means police in other states must enforce your North Dakota DCRO as if their own courts had issued it. When traveling or relocating, carry copies and consider registering the order in your new jurisdiction’s court or law enforcement database. Step 9 underscores the importance of follow-through: enforcement turns a paper judgment into real protection.

Step 10: Renew, Terminate, or Archive Your Case

Every DCRO eventually expires, and managing that timeline ensures you remain protected. North Dakota courts typically set expiration at up to two years, though judges may order shorter durations. About 60 days before expiration, review your situation: Has the respondent respected the order? Have there been new incidents or contact attempts? If threats persist, file a motion to renew at least 30 days before the current order ends. Use the court’s renewal form, attach documentation of continuing harassment or fear, and explain why continued protection is necessary. The process resembles the original hearing but focuses on events since issuance. The judge may extend the order for another fixed term if reasonable grounds exist.

If peace has been restored and you no longer feel endangered, you can request termination before expiration. File a motion to vacate, stating that circumstances have changed and protection is no longer needed. Judges usually grant voluntary terminations when both parties agree and no safety concerns remain. Always confirm that the clerk updates records so law enforcement knows the order is no longer active. Obtain a certified copy of the termination order for your files.

Once your case concludes—by expiration, renewal, or termination—organize and archive your documents. Keep the petition, orders, service proofs, and any police or court correspondence in both digital and paper formats. Label the folder with case number and dates (“DCRO_Burleigh_2025”). Store it securely for at least five years; if questions arise about background checks, employment applications, or future legal actions, you’ll have verifiable proof of outcomes.

Finally, reflect on the process. The DCRO system exists to restore safety and dignity through clear procedures. Whether or not the order needed renewal, you’ve gained valuable experience navigating the courts and protecting your rights. Take time to update personal safety plans, adjust privacy settings, and consult advocacy organizations if you wish to strengthen long-term protection. Step 10 closes the lifecycle of your DCRO: from filing through enforcement to eventual closure, ensuring both safety and legal completeness.

Associated Costs

The cost to file a Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order (DCRO) in North Dakota varies by county but generally falls within a modest range to keep the process accessible to all citizens. Petitioners typically pay a filing fee between $80 and $100, depending on local court rules. This fee covers docketing, administrative processing, and in many jurisdictions, the cost of service by the sheriff or certified mail. However, if you cannot afford to pay, you may submit an Affidavit of Indigency or Request for Waiver of Filing Fees to ask the court to waive the fee. The judge will review your financial disclosure and issue a decision before proceeding.

If the respondent violates the order and you file additional motions (for contempt, modification, or renewal), you might encounter small follow-up fees—typically $30 to $50—unless the judge continues your indigency waiver. Certified copies of the order for law enforcement or employers may cost $2 to $5 each. If you hire a private process server because the sheriff cannot complete service, those costs are separate and vary by distance and attempts (often $40 to $75). Most petitioners complete the entire process spending under $100 total, especially if they qualify for waivers.

Importantly, if a DCRO is granted and later violated, the cost of enforcement shifts to law enforcement and the criminal system—the petitioner does not pay to have violations prosecuted. The affordability of DCROs reflects their public safety role: protecting citizens from harassment or stalking without requiring significant financial resources. Always verify your county’s current fee schedule through its district court clerk or on the North Dakota Supreme Court’s website to avoid surprise charges.

Time Required

DCRO cases in North Dakota move quickly compared with other civil proceedings. Once a petition is filed, judges often review it the same day to determine whether a temporary (ex parte) order is warranted. If granted, that temporary order takes effect immediately upon service and remains valid until the hearing—usually scheduled within 14 to 30 days. The hearing itself lasts less than an hour, but preparation—collecting evidence, ensuring service, and coordinating witnesses—can take one to two weeks.

If the order is granted, its duration is specified by the judge, typically one to two years. Violations or modification hearings can occur anytime during that period if new issues arise. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the court’s decision. Renewal motions should be submitted about 30–60 days before expiration. Altogether, the active phase—from petition to hearing—is usually resolved within one month, making DCROs among the fastest civil remedies available in North Dakota’s courts.

Timeframes can vary slightly by county depending on docket congestion, staffing, or the need for re-service. If you live in a rural area, allow extra days for mailing and sheriff scheduling. To avoid delays, double-check all forms for legibility and confirm service completion before your hearing date. Staying organized shortens your timeline dramatically because each procedural error (like improper service) can add weeks.

Limitations

• Scope: DCROs are limited to protecting against unwanted acts, words, or gestures intended to adversely affect safety, security, or privacy. They cannot order counseling, restitution, or property return.
• Evidence standard: The petitioner must show “reasonable grounds” for the court to believe disorderly conduct occurred. General fear or dislike without specific incidents usually isn’t enough.
• Duration: Most orders last up to two years. Renewal requires new or continuing evidence of harassment or fear.
• Non-relationship cases: DCROs are designed for individuals who are not family or household members. For domestic or intimate-partner situations, a Domestic Violence Protection Order is required instead.
• Appeals limited: Appeals focus on legal or procedural error, not re-trying the facts. Missing the filing deadline forfeits appellate review.
• Service dependency: Without proper service, the court cannot issue or enforce the order. Petitioners must ensure delivery is completed through authorized means.
• Jurisdictional limits: North Dakota courts can issue DCROs for conduct occurring in the state or involving residents; interstate enforcement relies on federal full-faith-and-credit provisions.

Authoritative Links

• North Dakota Courts – Disorderly Conduct Restraining Orders
• North Dakota Century Code §12.1-31.2 — Disorderly Conduct
• North Dakota Legal Self Help Center
• North Dakota Department of Human Services – Domestic Violence & Victim Support
• Victim Services Training and Resources – ND Attorney General