Domestic violence is a serious matter. 

Law enforcement pursues domestic violence complaints to protect the victims of abuse.  The criminal penalties for conviction are severe. 

On the civil side, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, (DVPA) provides for the issuance of restraining orders preventing the abuser from coming near the victim for up to three years.  These restraining orders may also prohibit any type of contact, communication or harassment.  A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) may remove a party from his or her home and forbid all contact with the children.  A person found guilty of domestic violence cannot purchase or own a firearm.  In custody disputes, if the court finds that a party has committed acts of abuse during the previous 5 years, there is a presumption that joint legal or physical custody is contrary to the best interests of minor children.  The issuance of a DVRO may affect employment and immigration proceedings. 

Our office vigorously represents clients who seek restraining orders as well as those who are resisting restraining orders.  It is important to know how to present the facts in a way that the court will understand the dynamic that exists between the parties, in order to obtain a just result.