San Diego Criminal Lawyers Blog
If you have been accused of violating a protective order, you are not alone. Studies indicate that half of all survivors of domestic violence who have obtained protective orders in the country report their abusers violate those orders, with a result of escalating violence. When those orders are violated, survivors say nothing happens to abusers when the violation is reported to authorities. While that may be the case in some states, in California, the legal consequences for violating a protective order are significant.
Protective Orders
A protective order can be issued in a civil court in an attempt to protect applicants from harassment and harm from another person. An Emergency Order may be granted if the alleged victim of a crime calls 911 and requests help, and typically lasts no longer than one week. If the defendant is ultimately arrested and charged with a crime, a judge can issue a Criminal Protective Order, which is designed to protect alleged victims of domestic violence and witnesses. A restraining order might also be issued, which orders the accused to stay away from the victim while continuing requirements to pay child/spousal support.