If you are arrested in Florida for domestic violence, not only do you face serious criminal penalties if convicted, but the alleged victim may also file an injunction for protection against domestic violence – also known as a restraining order or protective order – against you. This type of injunction is a court order that prevents an alleged offender from contacting, visiting, abusing, or stalking an alleged victim or any people close to him/her.
As long as the petitioner is a victim of domestic violence, or if he/she has a reasonable belief to be “in immediate danger” of becoming a victim of domestic violence, then he/she can apply for an injunction against domestic violence. A judge will decide whether to issue an injunction based on several factors, including the history and relationship between the petitioner and the alleged offender, and the actions of the alleged offender, and the harm he/she may have caused.
The following are the two types of injunctions for protection against domestic violence in Florida:
Temporary injunctions – Also known as an “ex parte” injunction, this type of court order provides victims and family members with immediate protection. When a petitioner files an injunction, the court clerk will give the petition to the judge to determine if the alleged victim is in immediate danger. The alleged offender does not have to be present. Temporary injunctions generally last up to 15 days.
Final injunctions – A full hearing is required to obtain a final injunction. Both sides must present their case and a judge will decide whether to issue a final injunction, which may have a set period of time or not.
Violation of an injunction for protection in Florida is a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a jail sentence of up to one year and a maximum fine of $1,000. However, if you are found stalking while violating an injunction, then you can be charged with aggravated stalking, which is a third-degree felony, punishable by a maximum 15-year prison term and a fine of up to $10,000.
If you were recently arrested for domestic violence in Miami, contact the Law Office of Armando J. Hernandez, P.A. today at (305) 400-0074 for a free initial consultation. Let a former prosecutor with over 19 years of experience protect your rights and freedom.