Have you been the victim of domestic violence, or are you facing possible domestic abuse in Orlando, Florida? You may be entitled to a court order to protect you from your abuser. However, navigating the legal process and getting the help you need without an experienced family law attorney may be difficult.
At the Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers, we have 15 years of combined experience helping family law clients protect their rights and interests. When you are facing a difficult domestic situation, let us help you get the protection you need. Call us today at (407) 420-2311 to speak to an Orlando orders of protection lawyer who will answer all your questions and guide you through this difficult time.
How the Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers Can Help With an Order of Protection in Orlando, FL
Situations involving domestic abuse or violence are frightening and highly emotional. You are obviously concerned for your safety, and things get even more stressful if children are involved. During these times, you don’t need just any lawyer. You need an Orlando family lawyer who will stand up and fight to protect you and your family.
The Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers can help take away some of your stress about this situation.
We want to make things as easy for you as possible, and we can help with an order of protection by:
- Answering all your questions and advising you of your legal rights
- Determining which type of protection order your situation requires
- Gathering evidence to help prove your claim
- Completing all necessary paperwork and filing your petition in court
- Representing you at all court hearings related to the matter
If you fear that you may be in imminent danger, do not hesitate to get the help you deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation by an Orlando orders of protection attorney, and let us help you determine your best path forward.
Overview of Florida Orders of Protection
If you are facing domestic violence or abuse, understanding the different types of protection orders available in Florida can help you get started.
What Types of Protective Orders Are Granted in Florida?
You should first know that there are five different types of protective orders, or injunctions, that may be issued in the state.
Those are:
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual violence
- Dating violence
- Repeat violence
- Stalking
Each type of protective order serves a specific purpose and offers legal protection tailored to the nature of the violence or harassment involved.
What Is the Process of Getting an Order of Protection?
The process of obtaining an order of protection is much the same regardless of which type of order you need. Generally, you must file a sworn petition in civil court requesting the judge to issue the order. This petition must be notarized and include your statement of the facts as evidence for issuing the injunction.
If the judge determines that you have proven your case well enough, they may decide to issue a temporary injunction. This temporary injunction is only valid for a limited amount of time, although it usually stays in place until a full hearing can be held on the matter. At the hearing, both you and your accused abuser will appear before the judge to present evidence and argue your case.
After the judge hears all the testimony and evidence, they will issue a final ruling. This may include the issuance of a permanent or final injunction.
What Is Included in a Final Protection Order?
The final injunction will include specific instructions by which the parties must agree.
For example, the injunction, or order of protection, might specify that your abuser:
- Not communicate with you via phone, text, or email
- Not come within a certain distance of you, your home, your work, or your school
- Not come within a certain distance of your children
- Surrender their guns and ammunition
- Seek treatment at their own expense
- Pay support for you or your minor children
These conditions are designed to help keep you safe and ensure that the respondent is held accountable for respecting the boundaries set by the court.
What Are the Penalties for Violating the Protection Order?
Those subject to an injunction who choose to violate the terms of that injunction may face some serious consequences.
First, it is important to note that a final injunction issued in Florida is enforceable in all 50 states. Violations of a final injunction may result in an arrest on first-degree misdemeanor charges, and each violation could result in up to one year in jail.
Repeated violations of an order of protection can escalate these charges to a third-degree felony, and they may also result in felony stalking charges.
If your abuser is violating an order of protection, do not hesitate to call the police and get help. These situations can escalate quickly, so you should always take every precaution to protect yourself and your family.
Contact Our Orlando Orders of Protection Lawyers Today for an Initial Consultation
If you are facing domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, contact the experienced team at the Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers today. We will go to work immediately to put together your case and help you get protection from your abuser.
Call us today to speak to an Orlando orders of protection attorney who is ready to put their experience to work for you.