Domestic violence disputes can be complex and emotional. Law enforcement often has trouble determining which party to arrest because an argument got out of hand, and both parties were involved in physical violence. More often than not, the male is arrested simply because he may be bigger and more able to cause serious physical harm.
Sometimes, this is the right call; at other times, the female may have been the aggressor, regardless of her size or gender. While it is usually one party that requests an order of protection (750 ILCS 60/214), both parties can sometimes seek orders of protection (mutual orders of protection) simultaneously. These cases are even more complicated as the court must determine whether protection is justified for one party, both parties, or neither party.
Whether you are facing an order of protection or you want to file an order of protection in response to one filed against you, the best thing you can do is speak to a Will County, IL criminal defense lawyer. Your attorney can help you defend yourself against the protection order filed against you and help you determine whether filing your own request for a protection order is the best course of action.