Columbia Order of Protection Attorney
Violent crimes are treated very seriously in Tennessee, but the laws also recognize that these offenses are more extreme when there is a domestic relationship between the assailant and victim. Under the Tennessee domestic assault law, penalties for a conviction are elevated for offenses against a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or other member of the family or household. However, victims also have access to a separate legal remedy through an order of protection. Instead of punishment, the goal is to protect these individuals from further violence by restraining the offender.
If you have concerns about your safety, a protective order is a powerful tool for ensuring the safety of your family. However, the legal process is complicated and overwhelming when you are living in fear. You can trust our team at Fort, Holloway, & Rogers, LLC to handle the requirements and proceedings, so please contact our firm today. We can schedule a consultation with a Columbia order of protection attorney, and some background information is useful.
How Tennessee Protective Orders Work
An order of protection is a decree issued by a court that imposes restrictions on an alleged assailant’s rights to safeguard the victim. The judge will issue a protective order when the petitioner presents sufficient evidence of the threat of violence by the respondent.
Though the details vary, a restraining order may include such terms as:
- Prohibiting communication and contact with the victim;
- Ordering a person to stay away from the victim, which may mean leaving a residence that they share; and
- Forbidding the respondent from access to children.
One of the most effective aspects of a restraining order is that a victim can obtain one on an emergency basis, without providing notice to the respondent that would normally be required. A temporary restraining order extends for at least 15 days, at which time another hearing is held to determine whether the order of protection should be extended. At this second hearing, the respondent will have the opportunity to defend the allegations.
Steps for Obtaining an Order of Protection
Safety is your primary concern, and you can count on Fort, Holloway, & Rogers, LLC to handle the legal process for getting a protective order. Our Columbia orders of protection attorneys will tackle such tasks as:
- Collecting evidence necessary to support your petition for emergency protective order;
- Preparing the petition, affidavit, and other essential paperwork; and
- Advocating for you in court at the hearing on whether to extend the emergency order of protection.
In addition, our lawyers also handle the defense side of protective orders. We will fight to safeguard your freedoms, especially in light of false or exaggerated claims of domestic violence.
Contact a Columbia Order of Protection Attorney Right Away
As you can see, the legal process and laws covering restraining orders are complex. Fort, Holloway, & Rogers, LLC is prepared to overcome challenges to safeguard your family, so please contact us to set up a consultation with a Columbia orders of protection attorney asap. You can reach our office by calling 931-901-2300 or checking out our website.