Berkeley Restraining Order Lawyer

Conflict in personal relationships can leave people feeling threatened and frightened. These emotions may lead them to seek help from the courts in the form of a restraining order or protective order. If you have such an order in place against you, call a Berkeley restraining order lawyer. Our talented defense attorneys could help you understand your rights and responsibilities, as well as guide you through the legal process of responding to the restrictions, so you do not violate the order, and have additional charges against you. En Español

Boundaries Set by Restraining Orders

A restraining or a protective order limits a person’s freedom. Typically, these orders require the defendant to cease all contact with the protected parties, including telephone calls, text messages, emails, etc.

In-person Restrictions

Protective orders often stipulate how close a defendant can get to the person who filed the order (e.g., staying a minimum of 100 feet away) and identify locations to avoid, such as the person’s residence, work, school, etc. If the accused lives or works with the protected person, such requirements will likely require them to find different housing while the order is in effect.

Related Consequences

Restraining orders may also place additional burdens. Defendants may lose the ability to see their children, and orders may complicate child custody hearings. They may even lead to the permanent loss of custody or visitation.

Once a judge enters a restraining order, the defendant’s information becomes part of the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS). Inclusion in this database could interfere with an individual’s ability to obtain employment in various industries and it can affect other aspects of their lives from school or daycare access to job placement.

Berkeley lawyers who regularly handle restraining order matters may help people address the various restrictions they face.

Types of Protective Orders in Berkeley

Both family and civil courts have the authority to issue restraining orders. Which court has jurisdiction depends on the relationship of the parties. California Family Code § 6218 authorizes protective orders for family members, romantic partners, and significant others. Civil courts protect the elderly or dependent adults from abuse under California Welfare and Institutions Code §15657.03. All other individuals, such as neighbors, acquaintances, co-workers, and extended family members, may seek protection in civil court under California Code of Civil Procedure § 527.6. Employers can seek protection for their employees through workplace violence restraining orders under California Code of Civil Procedure § 527.8.

How long a protective order remains in place depends on the nature of the injunction. Courts may issue emergency, temporary, or permanent protection. Emergency or EPOs protect people while they apply for temporary or permanent orders. Temporary orders (TROs) last for the duration of a judicial proceeding while the system determines if unlawful activity occurred. A permanent order (PRO) may be in place for up to five years and is subject to renewal after a hearing.

Consequences for Violation of a Restraining Order

Although protective orders do not flow from the criminal justice system, they have the force of law, and a person’s failure to comply can lead a court to hold him or her in contempt or press criminal charges. California Penal Code § 273.6 outlines the penalties associated with a criminal conviction.

Although probation is an option under some circumstances, the minimum sentence imposed is up to 12 months in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. If the violation resulted in the protected party’s injury, the perpetrator faces a minimum of 30 days but less than one year in county jail and a fine of no more than $2,000. The court may also instruct the defendant to pay restitution and donate no more than $5,000 to an abused person’s shelter.

Berkeley lawyers could help those subject to the restrictions of these orders build a comprehensive defense and avoid unnecessary punishment.

Get Help from a Seasoned Berkeley Restraining Order Lawyer

Restraining orders interfere with more than just your daily routine and breaching them is not always a crime. It can happen inadvertently and unexpectedly. Hire a Berkeley restraining order lawyer to help you sort out your situation. Call us today.