Orders of Protection Violations in Chicago
Are you accused of violating an Order of Protection?
Once an order of protection has been issued, the person named in the order must comply with the restrictions in the order.
These restrictions could include:
- Remaining a specific distance away from the protected person
- Restrictions against calling or contacting the person by any means
- Could restrict you from entering your own home
- Restrict you from seeing your children
- Restrict access to your possessions
If an order of protection has been issued, you must comply with all requirements or you will be immediately taken into custody. State statutes require that those who are accused of domestic violence could be restricted from possessing a firearm. An order of protection, or restraining order, is often issued based purely upon a person's claim that you have committed an act of domestic violence. The accusation may be completely false. Even when accusations of abuse are lies, the order of protection must not be violated.
Restraining Order Violations in Chicago
If you are accused of violating an order of protection, it is imperative that you retain a Chicago criminal attorney immediately. The consequences of a violation could be significant. If it is believed that you violated the order with the intention to commit an act of violence against certain people, it can lead to difficulties in being released from custody.
Domestic violence charges can be filed when you are accused of violently acting out against the following people:
- Domestic partner
- Spouse
- Relationship partner
- Family member
- Other party that shares your home
A violation of an order of protection is a misdemeanor offense, with up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $2,500 that could be imposed. In some cases, the charges related to a violation of an order of protection are based upon making contact with the party who is protected by the order. This could be a simple phone call, text, email or other type of contact, or even a message passed on by another party. Relationships can be difficult, and reaching out to communicate may have seemed to be the right thing to do to try to repair a situation, but badly backfired, leading to an arrest for a violation of the order.
Searching for a lawyer for an order of protection violation?
An order of protection could be in place for a short period of time, or as long as 2 years. If you are accused of such a violation, it is imperative that your defense lawyer takes immediate action for you. You may have been in the vicinity of the protected person in error, or you may have believed that there would be no harm in contacting that person. For married couples and those who are involved in close relationships, it can be very difficult to be restricted from any contact. In fact, many couples do get into contact after an order of protection is issued, but the protected party does not report the violation.
In your case, you were not that lucky. Now you face a criminal charge that could lead to heavy penalties and further restrictions to your freedom. Call my firm, Law Offices of Mitch Furman, immediately if you are accused of violating an order of protection. I am prepared to help you fight to avoid the penalties.
If the order was issued based upon false accusations of abuse, this is critical point that we must discuss at once. Contact us today.