Domestic Violence.
Domestic Violence, Interpersonal Violence, and Stalking.
Domestic violence, interpersonal violence, and stalking are serious and consequential to both the victim and the accused. The hearings are not criminal proceedings, but civil actions. This means the victim is not represented by a prosecutor and the proceedings do not entitle the accused to a public defender. Because of this, most parties attend these hearings without legal representation and without knowing what information the court needs to decide whether to grant or deny a protective order. This can lead to devastating effects on families, partners, and individuals.
A denial of a protection order can result in a nightmarish existence for victims who live in constant fear for their safety. Their abuser can continue to have contact with them without any consequence. Granting a protective order can restrict certain rights of the accused such as parenting time, visitation, gun registration, job opportunities, and youth coaching. A protective order remains permanently on record, it cannot be expunged.
We have represented both victims and the accused in cases of domestic violence, interpersonal violence, sexual abuse, and stalking. There is no typical case. All are unique and involve highly sensitive and emotional topics. Our approach is to research a thorough review of the admissible
evidence, prepare the client for what to expect at the hearing, and provide competent presentation of relevant evidence to the court.