Domestic Violence - Restraining Orders / Orders of Protection

Wheaton, Illinois Domestic Violence Attorneys

Domestic violence is a serious criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record if convicted. When violence or the threat of violence accompanies a divorce or other family law disputes, a restraining order or order of protection may become necessary. At the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, our attorneys represent clients in cases involving allegations of domestic violence. We also assist clients in matters pertaining to restraining orders and orders of protection when stalking, harassment, or the threat of immediate physical harm is involved. In both instances, involving law enforcement early on is essential in order to ensure you and your family is protected.

There are legal options and remedies available for individuals and families confronted with domestic violence. We can help - contact domestic violence lawyers at Sullivan Taylor & Gumina today.

What a Restraining Order Involves

If you believe you are in immediate danger or under threat from a spouse, former spouse, relative, boyfriend, or girlfriend, you can file an affidavit at your local courthouse testifying to the threat against you. Typically, a judge will review and grant a temporary restraining order forbidding the person threatening you from having close contact with you. This may include any or all of the following:

• No phone contact
• No email or written contact
• Cannot own a firearm
• Must move out of a shared home or apartment
• Cannot come within a certain distance from you
• Temporary hold on visitation or custody rights

Next, a date will be set to determine if the restraining order or protection order should be extended. At this hearing eyewitness testimony and other forms of evidence can be introduced. As your attorneys, we prepare all necessary documentation, eyewitnesses, and information required to prove our client's case.

If a restraining order or protection order is violated, the guilty party could face jail time, fines, even monitoring by the court. Additionally, once a restraining order is put in place, the police can immediately pick up and arrest the person against whom it is issued if they are reported in proximity to you or your family.

Domestic Violence

Cases involving domestic violence can impact custody rights, visitation, and a person's criminal record. Given the serious consequences that can result, it's important to establish a pattern or record of information for any criminal prosecutions or protection orders pursued in the future. Maintaining documentation of dates, times, and a description of instances of abuse is also essential to protecting yourself from abuse. Working closely with our clients, we gather medical records, emergency room reports, eyewitness testimony, and other important information when building our client's case. Our firm also serves as an information resource regarding women's shelters and counseling programs that are so essential in helping families break free of abusive domestic situations.

Don't Know where to Turn? Contact Sullivan Taylor & Gumina Today

If you are being threatened or have been the victim of domestic violence, we can help. For more information regarding your legal options and what our attorneys can do to help you, contact the law firm of Sullivan Taylor & Gumina today.