Responding to a retail crime restraining order

What this order is

A retail crime restraining order is a court order that can stop you from going to a store if:

• You were arrested or cited 2 or more times for shoplifting, theft, vandalism, or assault at that store

• The business believes you might return

Why you got these papers

These papers say that a business asked the court for a restraining order against you.

⚠️ This is a civil case, but anything you say can be used in a criminal case.

What the restraining order may do

If the judge gives the restraining order, you may be stopped from:

• Entering the business

• Going near it or its parking lot

• Visiting other locations in the same chain

📅 It could last up to 2 years.

How to respond

If you don’t agree with the order:

1. Fill out Response to Petition for Retail Crime Restraining Order (form RT-120) to tell the court you disagree

2. Check box 3 Request for Counsel on form RT-120 to ask for a free lawyer

3. If you can’t pay court fees, fill out Request to Waive Fees (form FW-001) to ask the court to waive the fees

4. Ask someone else (not you) to mail a copy of your form to the business’s lawyer

5. Fill out Proof of Service by Mail (form POS-030) to show the court that the form was mailed

6. Go to the court hearing date listed on Notice of Court Hearing (form RT-109)

Learn more: How Can I Respond to a Petition for Retail Crime Restraining Order? (form RT-120-INFO)

Your rights

You have the right to:

• Ask for a free lawyer

  • Make sure to check box 3 Request for Counsel on form RT-120

• Ask for more time if you don’t have a lawyer yet

  • On Request to Continue Court Hearing (form RT-115), check box 3b

  • Fill out items 1 and 2 on Order on Request to Continue Hearing (form RT-116)

• ⚠️ Stay silent — you don’t have to explain why you disagree

📌 Anything you write or say can be used in court.

What happens at the hearing

• The judge will decide whether to give the restraining order

• You can go in person, by phone, or video

• You can bring evidence or witnesses to help your case

• If you don’t go, the court can still give the order

What if you don't obey the order?

The police can arrest you. You may have to go to jail and pay a fine.