Washington, D.C. Protection Order Lawyer Provides Strong Advocacy

Firm handles cases where domestic violence victims seek restraining orders

Getting a protection order could be critical to your safety. If you have suffered abuse at the hands of a spouse, relationship partner, relative or roommate, the Law Offices of Jesse A. Gadson, PLLC in Washington, D.C. is here to help. My firm acts quickly to seek an order from the court that prevents victims from further abuse or harassment. I also represent parties who are looking to oppose the implementation of a protective order against them.

Types of protection orders

A restraining order is the general term for a civil directive issued by a court against a specific party, prohibiting them from engaging in certain specified behaviors. In domestic violence cases, Washington, D.C. has a few different types of specialized protection orders that victims can seek depending on the particular circumstances:

• Temporary Protection Order — If you have been victimized by an intrafamily crime and face immediate danger, you can seek a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) even without a hearing before a judge. TPOs last for 14 days and can be extended. The respondent does not have to be present or even aware that the order has been issued.
• Civil Protection Order — A Civil Protection Order (CPO) is granted following a hearing where the victim describes the illegal acts that occurred. The subject of the order does have the opportunity to argue against the order or particular terms that are proposed. These orders usually remain in place for one year and can be tailored to your particular situation. For example, if you share children with the respondent, you might want to address how visitation will be handled given the CPO restrictions.
• Extreme Risk Protection Order — As part of the District’s “red flag” law, victims can petition for an Extreme Risk Protection Order, which prohibits the respondent from possessing or purchasing firearms because they pose a risk to others or themselves.

Drawing on my experience with domestic violence cases and other family law matters, I serve as a strong advocate for petitioners and respondents in proceedings involving all types of protection orders.

Requirements for obtaining a protection order

You can a seek Civil Protection Order against a family member, housemate or intimate partner if they have committed a crime against you. These orders are also available if you have been victimized by a sexual attack regardless of whether you had any existing relationship with the respondent. Generally, orders will prohibit the respondent from approaching or communicating with the petitioner. Actions seeking protection orders are civil proceedings, not criminal prosecutions, so you do not have to prove that your abuser was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to receive protection.

Litigator represents parties in cases stemming from alleged order violations

Often, the institution of a protection order is enough to keep the parties away from each other. However, there are situations where someone will violate the terms set forth by the court. An individual who is found to have violated a protection order could face criminal sanctions, including a fine of up to $1,000 and time in jail. If you believe that the order established to protect you has been breached, my firm will petition the court for immediate relief. Likewise, I also represent individuals who have been accused of breaking the terms of an order.

Contact an effective Washington, D.C. attorney for advice on a protection order matter

The Law Offices of Jesse A. Gadson, PLLC in Washington, D.C. represents clients in proceedings where protective orders are sought due to an allegation of domestic violence. For a consultation regarding your case, please call 202-972-1343 or contact me online.