Suffolk County Restraining Order Lawyer
An order of protection, sometimes referred to as an “OP”, is a court order from a judge that restricts the relationship and contact between two or more people. It is commonly known as a “restraining order.” It can be used to prevent domestic violence.
How to obtain an order of protection or restraining order in Family Court
To obtain an order of protection in family court, the person seeking the order must file a petition alleging that the respondent has committed a Family Offense.
What is a Family Offense?
Family Offenses are defined in § 812 of New York’s Family Court Act.
- disorderly conduct
- harassment in the first or second degree
- aggravated harassment in the second degree
- sexual misconduct
- forcible touching
- sexual abuse in the second or third degree
- stalking in the first, second, third or fourth degree
- criminal mischief
- menacing in the second or third degree
- reckless endangerment
- criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation
- strangulation in the first or second degree
- assault in the second or third degree or an attempted assault
- criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation or strangulation
Who is eligible to petition for an order of protection in Family Court?
The petitioner and respondent must:
- A married couple
- A divorced couple
- Have a child in common
- Be parent and child
- Be related by blood or marriage
- Currently in or previously in an “intimate relationship>”
Varieties of orders of protection
- A “stay away” order of protection. This requires the Respondent to stay away from the Petitioner’s home, place of business and any other location or restriction the court may include. This can exclude the Respondent from the marital residence.
- A “refrain from” order of protection. This prohibits the Respondent from abusing, harassing or threatening the Petitioner.
Defense against false claims
Domestic Violence is a real problem, but people have filed false restraining orders in New York in hopes that it will help their divorce case or child custody cases. This is a horrible thing to do that not only hurts the person they are falsely filing against, but true domestic violence victims in New York. In these cases you need an attorney that knows the New York restraining order process to help you defend against it.
Huntington Order of Protection Lawyer
At the Law Office of Louis L. Sternberg, we handle all types of situations involving domestic violence and restraining orders on Long Island. If you or someone you love has been threatened or harmed, you should speak to us about obtaining an order of protection. If you have had an order of protection wrongfully issued against you, we can help you fight to have the order lifted.
Regardless of the details of your individual case, we will provide you with effective legal counsel and strong advocacy.
