Domestic violence charges can have a serious impact on the rest of your life. If you have questions about domestic violence issues, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney today.
Facing a Domestic Violence Charge?
Domestic violence is taken very seriously by the courts, prosecutors and police. They tend to arrest and charge people quickly rather than investigating the situation thoroughly. This leads to cases based on false charges; if you are convicted, you will face significant penalties. A conviction on a domestic violence charge can have that can include jail time, loss of child visitation or child custody, or a felony on your record, depending on the circumstances. It's important to have a skilled criminal lawyer who can mount a strong defense.
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Orders of Protection
Protective orders are used to prevent contact between victims and alleged domestic violence abusers. These orders can have a serious impact on the freedoms and abilities of those who are subject to them and can affect divorce and child custody proceedings. Contact Howard A. Snader Law Offices in Scottsdale, Arizona to learn more about the consequences a protective order can have for you or a family member.
What is a Protective Order?
Victims of domestic violence can petition the court for a protective order to stop threatening or harassing behavior. The behavior complained of does not have to be physical violence. To issue the order, the court must be convinced by sufficient evidence that the petitioner has been abused or has been credibly threatened with violence. Protective orders are usually issued for a limited amount of time, but also may be permanent. They generally require someone accused of domestic abuse to stop the abuse and also may require:
- Vacating the residence
- Prohibiting contact with the victim
- Avoiding the victim's premises
- Returning personal property and/or marital property
- Paying child support and/or spousal support
- Paying the mortgage or other bills
- Attending counseling for domestic violence, anger management, drug or alcohol abuse
In order to enter a protective order against someone, he or she must receive notice of the order and be given an opportunity to challenge the order. In some instances, however, the court may issue an emergency temporary protective order ("ex parte order") without providing notice or an opportunity to be heard to the alleged abuser. In these cases, the court will set a date for a formal hearing to provide the alleged abuser with notice and the chance to defend himself or herself.
Who Do Protective Orders Apply To?
For the court to issue the order, the parties must have an eligible relationship under the state's domestic violence statute. This usually includes:
- Spouses
- Ex-spouses
- Live-in boyfriends or girlfriends
- People who share a child
- Family relations, including parents, children, stepchildren
Some statutes require that the parties to the order currently live with one another, or lived with one another at one time or have access to the home residence. In other jurisdictions, the residence does not matter or only matters if parents, children or other relatives are the subject of the order.
Violating the Terms of a Protective Order
It is very important to follow all of the requirements of a protective order. Violating the terms in any way is a violation of the law and can result in criminal penalties, including jail time. If someone crosses state lines and violates a valid protection order, he or she also may be subject to federal penalties in addition to state penalties.
Conclusion
The terms of a protective order need to be taken seriously. For more information on protective orders, contact Howard A. Snader Law Offices in Scottsdale, Arizona to speak with an attorney with experience in this area of the law.
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