Jacksonville Domestic Violence Lawyer

In Florida, Injunctions for Protection fill the same role as restraining orders in most states. To obtain an injunction, you must file for one with your county court.

If the judge presiding over your case believes that you are in “immediate danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence,” you can obtain a Temporary Injunction for Protection to protect you while the court arranges a hearing to determine whether you need a Permanent Injunction for Protection.

A judge may award you a temporary injunction without the other party present (also known as an ‘ex parte’ injunction). Judges commonly award temporary injunctions in cases where:

• The alleged survivor/victim has proof of threats, harassment, stalking, or physical abuse from the alleged abuser;
• The alleged abuser attempted to harm another individual, such as a family member of the alleged survivor/victim;
• The alleged abuser threatened to use deadly or lethal force or weapons;
• The alleged abuser has a history of criminal or domestic violence or has had other protective orders issued against them;
• The alleged abuser has isolated the alleged survivor/victim, destroyed their property, or caused them to believe they were in immediate danger.

Temporary injunctions last for a set amount of time, but judges often extend those deadlines until both parties can attend an official hearing for the case. The court will usually try and set an official hearing within a couple of weeks from the alleged survivor/victim filing for the case.

At the hearing, both parties have the opportunity to present evidence for themselves or against the other party. After assessing the evidence, the judge will determine whether the alleged abuser is guilty. If so, they will likely award the alleged survivor/victim with a Permanent Injunction for Protection that protects them for a longer amount of time and can be extended as necessary. The abuser may also face criminal charges.

Our domestic violence attorneys in Jacksonville are here to usher you through your case, working with you to get the protection you deserve so you can ensure safety for yourself and those you love.

What Does an Injunction Do?

An Injunction for Protection or Order of Protection will prevent the person named in the order from having any further contact with the petitioner. This includes:

• Written communication
• Electronic communication
• Verbal communication

Domestic violence cases can often result in an injunction for protection or Order of Protection to prevent spousal abuse such as:

• Punching
• Hitting
• Kicking
• Pulling hair
• Kicking
• Slapping
• Harassment
• Sexual abuse
• Rape
• Stalking
• Emotional abuse
• Threats of violence