How soon must a hearing date be set by the court after a protective order application is filed?

A hearing date must be set by the court within 14 days after a protective order application is filed in order to comply with legal guidelines surrounding the enforcement of protective orders. This timeframe is designed to ensure timely access to judicial relief for individuals seeking protection, acknowledging the urgent nature of many situations that necessitate a protective order. By requiring a hearing within this specific period, the court can facilitate prompt judicial review of the case, provide necessary protections to the applicant, and maintain a balance in the legal process to ensure both parties have the opportunity to present their case in a timely manner.