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LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Helping keep you safe and protect your legal rights.

Starting at the point of crisis through your journey to independence from interpersonal violence you’ve experienced, CVIC’s staff attorney and state-certified advocates are here for you, helping navigate the steps necessary to help keep you safe and protect your legal rights. All services are free and confidential.

Request legal assistance by filling out this form or call 701-746-0405 to contact CVIC’s Senior Director of Legal Services or reach out through our 24/7 crisis line, 701-746-8900.

For more information, you can also visit the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center. https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help

Services

Protective Order Applications

CVIC may assist you in applying for emergency protective orders. We can help you address key points necessary to help strengthen your application and support you through the emotional process.

  • Domestic Violence Protection Order: If you have recently been a victim of domestic violence you may request a protection order, which is typically sought when someone has been physically harmed by their partner, including sexual assault. For this type of order, actual or imminent domestic violence is required. These orders do not have a specific time limit they can be granted for, however, typically orders are granted for 1-2 years. For more information, including how to file, please contact CVIC or visit: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/domestic-violence-protection-order.
  • Sexual Assault Restraining Order: If you have been sexually assaulted by an acquaintance or a stranger, this protective order may be appropriate. This type of order cannot be granted for more than 2 years and is intended for sexual assault cases where there is not a significant relationship with the offender. For more information, including how to file, please contact CVIC or visit: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/sexual-assault-restraining-order.
  • Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order: If you have experienced stalking, harassment, or other types of disorderly conduct, this protective order may be appropriate. In North Dakota, disorderly conduct is defined as intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures intended to adversely affect the safety, security, or privacy of another person. This can include threats, screaming, yelling, etc. This type of order cannot be granted for more than 2 years. For more information, including how to file, please contact CVIC or visit: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help/disorderly-conduct-restraining-order.
EMAIL US

Please note: We will respond to your request within 2 business days. If you need immediate assistance with a protective order, please contact our office or call our 24-hour crisis line at 701-746-8900.

Representation, Protective Order Hearings

Our staff attorney may be able to represent you at civil court hearings to request an extended order.

Representation/Advice, Civil Matters

The following are a few of the types of situations our legal team may be able to assist with, and some basic legal information about these situations:

  • Divorce
    • If you would like to start a divorce, talk about your options, or have been served with divorce paperwork, CVIC may be able to assist.
  • Residential Responsibility (formerly known as custody)
    • If you have children and would like to know more about getting a formal court order for residential responsibility, or if your partner/former partner has started a court case against you, you may speak with a CVIC advocate to see if you qualify for CVIC legal assistance.
  • Housing Related Issues
    • If you are being discriminated in your housing unit or are wanting to terminate your lease due to domestic violence or sexual assault, there may be remedies available. Please speak with a CVIC advocate to discuss your safety and legal options.  
    • Federal and State Housing Programs: You may not be denied admission to, or terminated from, a federal or state housing program based on being a victim of sexual assault (or domestic or dating violence or stalking).
    • Any North Dakota Housing: If you were sexually assaulted (or abused) by an intimate partner, you may be able to terminate your lease without penalty or liability. Documentation is required.
    • Other options: Even if there is no legal recourse, there may be other options to help you. In some cases, landlords have allowed victims of violence to move to another unit they own to enhance their safety.
  • Employment Related Issues
    • If you are being discriminated at work due to a sexual assault, there may be remedies available. Please speak with a CVIC advocate to discuss your safety and legal options.
    • An example of such discrimination is a case in which a victim was fired for bringing “drama” to work when she asked for time off after she was assaulted by a coworker.
    • For this type of issue, you may also file a complaint with the North Dakota Department of Labor. Go to https://www.nd.gov/labor/human-rights/employment-discrimination and click on the File a Complaint  link, then follow the directions.  

Title IX Concerns

If you are a university student or otherwise affiliated with a college campus and are assaulted there are additional steps to navigate. Our attorney and trained advocates can be by your side to ensure you are informed and your rights are being addressed every step of the way.

Additional Resources

This program is supported by grant number 2015-WL-AX-0041 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.