A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a court order requiring the parties to whom it is addressed not to engage in certain activity, or to continue to engage in certain activity, and is usually designed to maintain the current state of things (the status quo) until the court has the opportunity to hear a more complete presentation of the evidence—usually during an application for a temporary injunction that will remain in place while the lawsuit is pending.

In New Mexico, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate protection from harm by ordering a party to refrain from certain actions or to maintain the status quo until a more formal hearing can be conducted. TROs are often used in situations involving domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or other emergencies where immediate intervention is necessary to prevent harm. To obtain a TRO, an individual must file a petition with the court, typically providing evidence of the threat or harm they are facing. If the court finds sufficient cause, it may issue the TRO without the presence of the other party (ex parte). The TRO is generally short-term and a hearing for a longer-term injunction, such as a preliminary or permanent injunction, is usually scheduled shortly thereafter. The TRO remains in effect until the date of the hearing, at which time the court will consider whether to extend the order or replace it with a more permanent solution. It's important to note that violating a TRO in New Mexico can result in criminal charges and penalties.