Fort Lauderdale Restraining Order Lawyer
Restraining orders, also known as orders of protection or injunctions, are imposed by the courts and are intended to stop a person from behaving in a certain way. Although a person can seek many different types of orders and injunctions, the most common are those that prohibit people from abusing or even contacting the person that sought the order. If someone has threatened to impose a restraining order against you, or you are already the subject of one, you need the help of a Fort Lauderdale restraining order lawyer.
Why are Restraining Orders Filed?
A person can attempt to file a restraining order against another person any time they feel as though their personal safety is threatened. Most restraining orders are filed after accusations of:
- Domestic violence
- Conflict with a family member
- Conflict within an intimate relationship
- Conflict with a co-worker, acquaintance, or neighbor
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Sexual assault
Regardless of the reason for the restraining order, if you are the subject of one, you should take the matter very seriously. A restraining order will place many restrictions on your movements, could block access to your children, and could also result in the revocation of your firearm.
Types of Restraining Orders in Fort Lauderdale
Generally speaking, there are four types of restraining orders a person may seek. These include:
- Dating violence injunctions: These injunctions involve two people that are in, or have been in, a romantic or intimate relationship that involves violence.
- Domestic violence injunction: Domestic violence injunctions involve family members, people that live as family members, or people that have a child together.
- Repeat violence injunction: Repeat violence injunctions do not require a romantic or intimate relationship, but do involve accusations of stalking, harassment, or violence.
- Sexual violence injunctions: These injunctions involve allegations of at least one incidence of lewd or lascivious act on or in the presence of someone that is under the age of 16, sexual battery, or luring or enticing a child into a sexual offense.
Understanding Your Rights
It is important to know that even when someone has requested a restraining order be issued against you, there are a number of rights you still have. These include the right to:
- Receive notification of the request,
- A court hearing,
- Defend yourself, and
- Have legal representation
If the case involves a temporary restraining order, it is just as important to understand that these rights may change. For example, if someone is seeking a temporary restraining order, the court does not have the legal obligation to appoint a lawyer to represent you at these hearings. However, you can still hire one on your own.
A Restraining Order Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help with Your Case
If you believe someone is requesting a restraining order against you, or you are already the subject of one, a Fort Lauderdale restraining order lawyer can advise on your case. I am Kevin J. Kulik, and I have helped many clients avoid a restraining order being filed against them, and have helped others comply with the law. Call me today at 954-761-9411 or contact our office online to schedule a free confidential consultation.
