Violation of Restraining Order Defense Lawyer Farifax VA

Restraining Orders

Restraining orders, also known as protective orders, are often associated with domestic violence situations. Restraining orders often do more than restrict the physical contact a person has with the alleged victim. Protective orders can limit the contact a person can have with the alleged victim by phone or email and can limit how close a person can get to the alleged victim’s house or car. 

Restraining orders can be difficult to understand; it can also be difficult to adhere to the terms of a protective order.  If a restraining order has been issued against you, it is essential that you understand the terms of the restraining order and for how long the restraining order has been issued so that you do not unintentionally violate it. At May Law LLP, we have professional Violation of Restraining Order Defense Lawyers in Farifax VA who can take you through the step-to-step guide in understanding a restraining order so that you are not in violation of one.

Violating a Restraining Order

You can be charged with violating a restraining order if you violate any part of the order. If you have a restraining order against you, it is best if you do not have any contact with the alleged victim. You can be found to have violated the order, even if you did not initiate contact.  If the victim invites you to his or her house and you visit, you can be found to have violated the protection order. If you live near the alleged victim, you can be found to be in violation of the order if you are found within the prohibited vicinity of the alleged victim’s house. Those situations are extreme; however, that kind of situation is indicative of how easy it is to violate a restraining order. 

Violation of a restraining order can result in jail time of up to 2 ½ years and thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, because restraining orders often accompany other charges, a violation of a restraining order can have a negative impact on any related charges you are facing.  

In addition to the penalties a court may impose, a charge of violating a restraining order can have negative effects on multiple areas of your life.  It can cause problems with your ability to secure employment, your ability to successfully negotiate custody arrangements, or your immigration status.  

Legal Assistance

If you have a restraining order issued against you, or if you have been accused of violating a restraining order, you need an experienced Violation of Restraining Order Defense Lawyer in Farifax VA on your side. It is possible to fight a charge of violating a restraining order. May Law LLP has successfully assisted numerous clients avoid the severe consequences often associated with these charges. 

We are experienced in the law regarding Violation of Restraining Orders. May Law LLP knows how a protection order or restraining order can interfere with your life. We know how to address violation of protection order charges, and help you avoid compounding criminal consequences. We are here to serve you and will see you through the criminal court process and help you petition to modify or terminate any protective order that is no longer needed or appropriate. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. 

Protect Yourself from Violating a Restraining Order

If you have a restraining order and have questions about it, contact Fairfax, VA violation of restraining order defense lawyer for help.Violating a restraining order comes with severe consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and a criminal record. Learn some tips on how to avoid violating the order, and then contact May Law, LLP for help today!

Know the terms of the restraining order. The first step in protecting yourself from violating a restraining order is to understand the terms of the order. Read the document carefully, and make sure you understand what actions are prohibited. These documents can be full of legalese that may be hard to understand. If you are struggling with it, contact an attorney before doing anything that might potentially violate the order. For example, the order may prohibit the restrained person from being within a certain distance from the protected person’s home or place of work, contacting the protected person, or posting about the protected person on social media.

A Fairfax violation of restraining order defense lawyer will advise you to keep a copy of the restraining order with you at all times. If the restrained person shows up unexpectedly, you can show the order to law enforcement officers and explain the situation. Also, keep a copy of the order in your car and at your workplace, as these are other places where the restrained person might appear. Both printed and electronic copies are a good idea. If you are being stalked by someone harmful, a paper copy will help authorities figure out what is happening quickly.

Avoid contact with the restrained person. It’s essential to follow the terms of the restraining order, which usually prohibit any sort of contact with the protected person. Avoiding contact means that you should not have any direct or indirect communication with the restrained person, including phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media messages. You should also avoid any places where you know the protected person regularly goes. Do not even search for the person on social media, as many sites now alert people to the fact that a person has searched for their profile.

Seek professional help. If you are struggling to comply with the restraining order or are feeling unsafe, seek professional help; if the order seems too strict you should contact an attorney to see what can be done. You can contact your local domestic violence shelter or hotline for assistance. They can provide resources such as counseling, support groups, and legal assistance. If you feel that your safety is in immediate danger, call 911. 

Keep a record of any contact with the protected person. If you accidentally come into contact with the protected person, it’s essential to document the interaction. Write down the date, time, location, and any details about the interaction. This information will be helpful to demonstrate to law enforcement officials that you did not intentionally violate the restraining order. Take videos if possible of the entire interaction. Make sure those photos and videos are backed up somewhere safe.

In conclusion, violating a restraining order can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. By following the steps outlined above, you can protect yourself from violating the restraining order and avoid the associated consequences. If you are struggling to comply with the order, seek professional help from a Fairfax violation of restraining order defense lawyer from May Law, LLP.