Experienced Florida Lawyer Defends Clients Targeted by Injunction Filings
Orlando defense attorney stands up for clients in domestic violence matters
When you someone tries to establish a domestic violence or other injunction order against you in Florida, you must react quickly and effectively to avoid unjust sanctions. Otherwise, you could face stiff penalties. At The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A., in Orlando, we have extensive experience in matters where someone seeks a restraining order against our clients, as well as cases where individuals are accused of violating existing orders. Our defense lawyer understands that sometimes a petition for an order is sometimes based on a false representation or misunderstanding. If you are facing potential legal restrictions or sanctions because you allegedly failed to honor the terms of your order, you can rely on our law firm to counter unsupported claims and advocate for justice in your case.
Accomplished firm helps clients fight the imposition of injunctions against them
In Florida, a temporary injunction lasting 15 days can be granted without a proceeding where the respondent is present. Even if you believe the restrictions imposed upon you are unfair, you should honor the injunction and retain a qualified attorney to defend you in the hearing to determine if a permanent junction will be imposed. We know that initial injunction applications frequently result from high emotions or incorrect information and battle to prevent orders that lack proper grounds.
Types of injunction infractions under Florida law
A wide array of actions could trigger a complaint that a Florida injunction has been violated. For example, you could be subject to punishment if you:
- Refuse to vacate your shared home
- Are within 500 feet of the petitioner’s home, school, workplace or other place specified in the order
- Commit an act of domestic violence (or repeat violence, sexual violence, dating violence, stalking or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, depending on the specific injunction terms)
- Make unlawful threats or threats to commit violence against the petitioner
- Telephone, contact or otherwise communicate with the petitioner
- Intentionally come within 100 feet of the petitioner’s vehicle, whether it’s occupied or not
- Deface or destroy the petitioner’s personal property
- Refuse to surrender firearms or ammunition if the court has ordered you to do so
If you’ve been charged for a violation, we’ll use our skill and resources to help you avoid an unjust punishment.
Potential defenses for those accused of breaching an order
There are various possible defenses when you are accused of violating an injunction. You might be able to avert a sanction by demonstrating one of the following:
- You were not aware of the injunction or a specific term within it
- You misunderstood the language within the order
- Your contact with the petitioner was unintentional
Once we review all the facts involved, we’ll strategize to identify the most effective defense in your particular situation.
Criminal defense attorney helps clients fights injunction-related misdemeanor charges
A violation of an injunction is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor under Florida’s criminal code. If you’re convicted, you could receive one or more of the following penalties:
- Up to one year in county jail
- Up to one year of probation
- A fine of up to $1,000
People with two or more convictions for violations may be charged with third-degree felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine. Our accomplished criminal defense attorney will battle to get you the best result possible, regardless of what facts gave rise to your case.
Contact a seasoned Orlando defense lawyer when you are accused of violating an injunction
At The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A., in Orlando, our attorney has decades of experience skillfully defending Florida clients in injunction violation cases. To schedule a consultation, call our firm at 407-608-7777 or contact us online.