A family violence lawyer can help a victim of domestic violence obtain restraining orders and defend them against criminal charges. These lawyers can also help victims recover compensation for their pain and suffering.

Penalties for family violence crimes vary, but can include jail time and a permanent criminal record. In addition, a conviction can impact a victim’s employment history and ability to secure housing or child support.

Legal Representation

A family violence lawyer can help victims of domestic violence obtain civil protection orders, represent them in plea bargain discussions, and appear at sentencing to argue for or against jail time for an accused. They can also assist in negotiating the terms of a divorce, custody and child support arrangements, and help victims navigate immigration issues related to domestic violence.

Legal aid organizations provide legal assistance to low-income individuals who are unable to afford private legal representation. The Legal Services Corporation, which funds many local legal aid agencies, maintains a list of pro bono attorneys and law firms on its website.

The University of Pennsylvania's DV Clinic is a student-run program that provides direct legal representation to DV survivors in civil family cases. Students work with staff at domestic violence victim-serving organizations and referring agencies to provide assistance to clients who would otherwise go without representation.

Civil Protection Hearings

If you are the victim of domestic violence, a family violence lawyer can help you get the protection order you need. They can also represent you in the hearing if the abuser refuses to participate and has no legal counsel of their own.

A court may give you an ex parte "temporary" protection order (TPO), which is meant to protect you for up to 14 days until your final hearing. You must request a TPO at the time you file your civil protection order petition and then serve the abuser with a copy of the TPO.

The judge will hold a full hearing within 7 to 10 business days that both you and the abuser may attend. At this hearing, you testify and present evidence to show the judge why you need a protection order.

The judge can also issue a final order of protection to keep you safe from future violence. However, this is only if the abuser agrees to it. If they do not, you can appeal the decision to a higher court.

Criminal Charges

If you have been arrested for a domestic violence crime, you should speak with a family violence lawyer immediately. They can help you gather evidence to prove your innocence.

A good family violence lawyer may also be able to help you fight criminal charges against your current or former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner. They will know how to work with police and prosecutors to get your charges dropped or reduced if necessary.

The consequences of a criminal domestic violence conviction can have a long-lasting impact on your life, as well as on your future prospects. You may have to pay fines, serve time in jail, or face a permanent criminal record.

In addition to these negative outcomes, a domestic abuse arrest or conviction can also be a significant factor in your divorce or custody litigation or Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation. A Connecticut family violence lawyer can provide legal support for these and other cases, as well as assist with a variety of related issues, such as civil protection hearings, restraining orders, and even civil fines.

Restraining Orders

An order can be necessary to keep a person or their belongings safe from a spouse, former partner, or other family member who is an abuser. It will typically require the individual to stay away from the victim and their home, workplace, and other locations as determined by the court.

An attorney can help you to obtain a restraining order for domestic violence or a civil restraining order. This will not be issued until there is a full hearing on the case and both parties can present their evidence.

If the alleged abuser is out of state, you can also file an out-of-state protection order. This is often the best option because a judge may not have personal jurisdiction over someone in another state who is acting in a manner that is threatening or abusive.

This will not be an easy process, so make sure to hire an experienced family violence lawyer who can walk you through the entire legal process with compassion and strategy. Then you can ensure the safety of yourself, your children, and other loved ones.