Orders of Protection Lawyer in Naperville, IL

Attorney for Addressing Protective Orders in DuPage County

Orders of protection can be a valuable tool for victims of domestic abuse. However, these orders can also be used abusively. They may be sought in civil court, or they may be automatically issued during a criminal case. If you have been arrested for domestic battery or domestic violence, it is a rather safe bet that you were also presented with an order of protection. An order of protection tells an accused batterer where they can and cannot go and forbids them from having any unauthorized contact with the victim. These orders typically forbid an alleged offender from going near the alleged victim's home and workplace or their children's schools. Unfortunately, if you lived with the alleged victim, this means you cannot return home when you are released from jail.

Appelman Law LLC is highly experienced in dealing with orders of protection, commonly called "restraining orders." Our skilled Naperville lawyers have an excellent record of providing high-quality legal assistance to people who have had an order of protection levied against them. We will review the full set of circumstances surrounding the issuance of a restraining order against you in order to determine how best we can help you. In many cases, our clients are also facing criminal charges for domestic battery or related offenses. We can help you not only by fighting back against a potentially unwarranted protection order, but also by fighting back against the criminal charges you are up against. Our goal is to minimize any long-term impact this case could have on your life so that you can return to normal.

Civil vs. Criminal Orders of Protection

An order of protection carries the force of law, whether it is issued by a civil court or as part of a criminal prosecution. However, if you were served with a civil order, the process for addressing it is different. You will generally have an opportunity to defend yourself at a hearing in about a week. As you are not being charged with a crime, the hearing is more casual, but you still have a right to representation.

If you were served with an order of protection after being arrested for domestic violence, the criminal case is likely a far greater concern to you than the order itself. Domestic violence and domestic battery are very serious offenses. The order of protection will likely remain in place while your case is pending.

What to do if You Are Served With an Order of Protection

If you receive an order of protection, it is important that you follow the terms and conditions it sets out. As you could be arrested and charged with a crime for failing to abide by the rules set out in an order of protection, it is very important that you respect each rule. If you are told not to return to your home because the alleged victim still lives there, you must find alternate accommodations. If you are told to have no contact with the protected party, this means that you must not attempt to communicate with them in any way. Even asking a friend to pass along a message could result in your arrest.

You should also consider finding good legal representation a high priority. Whether or not you have done anything wrong, having a protection order against you can keep you in legal jeopardy. It is best to work with an attorney who has experience with domestic violence and related cases.

Contact a Naperville Orders of Protection Attorney

Appelman Law LLC is committed to providing the strongest legal defenses possible. Our experienced domestic violence legal team will do all we can to guard you against the loss of freedom that comes with being the subject of a protection order. To begin with a complimentary consultation, please contact us at 630-717-7801.