Do you have to appear in court for a restraining order?

In the State of Louisiana, restraining orders can be issued by a judge, or a Justice Court Judge (a J.P) if issued by a J.P. no you do not have to go to court in order to obtain one. You present yourself and your case to the Justice of the Peace, the order is issued for a fee for services. To drop charges, you must also pay to have them dropped, especially by the D.A.'s office.

Added for clarification: If you are the Plaintiff(seeking the order) you MUST appear in court to give sworn testimony, if you fail to appear the action will be dropped.

If you are the Respondant (the one against whom the order is sought) you do not necessarily have to appear, but if you don't the order will be issued en absentia, since you didn't appear to give testimony to defend yourself or refute the allegation.