Allegations of domestic violence are taken very seriously by the family courts in Orange County. When one spouse is facing charges in criminal court or accusations of abuse in family court, the outcome of a divorce, custody, or support case can be significantly influenced by those claims. A Fountain Valley domestic violence restraining order lawyer can explain how to request a restraining order or fight accusations of abuse in court.
Restraining order cases can have significant consequences for the outcome of your family court case, which is why having legal representation from the beginning is critical. At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, our attorneys focus exclusively on family law. Every decision we make is done with a focus on our core values of “compassion, commitment to excellence, and total dedication to the best results for our clients.”
Setting our firm apart is our over 100 years of combined legal experience. We have been successful in over one hundred trials. Our lawyers are known for their litigation skills as well as their awards that include “Orange County’s Top Attorneys” and “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America.”
As with other communities in Orange County, domestic violence remains a serious concern. The city’s violent crime rate stands at 1.37 per 1,000 residents, which means that anyone in the area stands a roughly 1 in 730 chance of becoming a victim.
Still, domestic violence remains a serious concern across Orange County. In 2023, there were 6.1 domestic violence-related calls for service per 1,000 adults ages 18 to 69, reflecting the number of people seeking immediate help from law enforcement.
That same year, civil courts across California reported a 12% rise in domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs), with a 22% increase in long-term final orders compared to 2020. Residents in neighborhoods like Green Valley, Shadow Lane, and Fountain Park who experience threats or abuse may file for protection at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange, the nearest family courthouse.
Restraining orders offer important protections for individuals whose safety is at risk. Going through a divorce or custody battle can lead to emotional situations where one party may make threatening statements or cause physical harm to their spouse or former partner. A restraining order can provide important protection throughout the family law case and afterward.
If a restraining order is in place, it may limit the restrained party’s ability to see or communicate with their children or the other parent. This can affect custody and visitation decisions and lead to supervised visits or temporary loss of parental rights.
Restraining orders may also influence spousal support and property division by establishing a history of abuse. Courts take these orders seriously, and even temporary restraining orders can significantly influence the outcome of family law decisions.
The decision to hire a restraining order lawyer can play a critical role in protecting your rights and ensuring a fair outcome in your family court case. A Fountain Valley domestic violence restraining order attorney brings years of experience handling restraining order cases. They can explain how the state’s restraining order laws can influence the outcome of your case.
With legal representation, you can either secure the protections you need during a challenging time or prevent unfounded accusations from derailing your law case. Given the high stakes involved in a family court case, having the right legal representation is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring the courts hear the truth about what actually happened.
A: Proof you may need for a restraining order can include text messages, voicemails, photos of injuries, witness statements, or police reports. When considering whether to issue a restraining order, the courts look for evidence of threats, violence, or harassment. A strong case should be connected to documented patterns of belligerent or threatening behavior. The more specific and credible your evidence, the more likely a judge will grant protection under California law.
A: Restraining orders may be granted when there is clear evidence of domestic violence or behavior that could potentially lead to violence. While the exact percentages vary by county, judges frequently consider approving temporary orders if there is a credible threat of bodily harm to one parent or their children. Long-term orders require more documentation and a formal hearing where both parties present evidence and arguments to sway a judge.
A: A strong restraining order request should be based on recent incidents and proof that the petitioner suffered emotional or physical harm. Judges often consider threats as a potential basis for issuing a restraining order. Repeated behavior can lead to decisive action by the courts. Domestic violence victims should demonstrate that there is a credible threat that could lead to bodily harm if the courts do not intervene.
A: Some domestic violence claims are dismissed most often due to insufficient evidence on the part of the person requesting criminal charges. If the victim recants or avoids testifying, prosecutors may drop the charges. However, California allows cases to proceed without victim cooperation when there are other forms of evidence that domestic violence has occurred.
A domestic violence restraining order can drastically impact your life, especially if it involves your home, children, or future legal matters. In Fountain Valley, individuals facing this process need a lawyer who understands California’s strict legal standards and can present or challenge the evidence effectively. A restraining order attorney can play a pivotal role in influencing the outcome of a request for a restraining order in California.
Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP provides strategic, client-focused advocacy for individuals involved in restraining order cases. Named among the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America” by National Trial Lawyers, our firm brings proven courtroom experience and focused representation to every case. Call our team today to schedule your consultation.