Do I need to hire an attorney for the restraining order since it is not criminal?

You are never required to hire an attorney but the ramifications are significant if you lose your hearing and the restraining order becomes final. In addition to never being able to return to you residence or communicate with the victim, you will be subject to arrest for a criminal contempt charge for a violation of a restraining order. All that is required for this to occur is for the victim to accuse you of attempting to make contact, driving past their place of employment or home, or doing anything else that violates the restraints. You will also be flagged every time you attempt to reenter the United States and can never own or possess a weapon. You need to put your best effort into winning the restraining order to insure you avoid these consequences. Hiring a skilled domestic violence lawyer is a must in accomplishing this objective.