Your choice of attorney to represent you during a domestic violence charge is important. Please contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who can provide a clear explanation of your legal rights and options.
Information About Domestic Violence Charges
Attorney Janet Altschuler defends people in Tucson and throughout Southern Arizona against charges of domestic violence.
Below you can find general information that you can use to educate yourself about how the law applies in these serious criminal cases. If you are prepared to discuss your case specifically with a criminal defense lawyer, contact the firm today for a free initial consultation.
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Free initial consultation: Contact Attorney Janet Altschuler to discuss the domestic violence charges you are facing.
Attorney Janet Altschuler brings more than 17 years of criminal law experience to domestic violence defense cases in Tucson and throughout Southern Arizona.
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 Janet Altschuler, Attorney at Law in Tucson, 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 Janet Altschuler, Attorney at Law in Tucson, Arizona to speak with an attorney with experience in this area of the law.
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