Hancock County Domestic Violence Protective Order Defense Lawyer

Fighting for the Accused in the Counties of Monongalia, Marion, Preston, Harrison, Taylor & All of West Virginia

Protective orders for domestic violence (also called DVPOs or restraining orders) are issued by West Virginia courts to safeguard individuals and families from alleged abuse by intimate partners, family members, and household members. These orders can be temporary or more permanent, granted based on statements made by the accuser without concrete evidence and without your input.

It is important to be aware of the significant impact DVPOs can have on your life. Being named as the abuser in these orders can damage your reputation, restrict your activities and rights, result in legal fees and financial burdens, and adversely affect future employment, housing, and other opportunities as they can be accessible in background checks. Violating such orders can lead to criminal charges.

At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, our experienced attorneys are here to provide you with aggressive defense against potentially false, exaggerated, misleading, or strategically motivated accusations related to divorce or custody cases.

To schedule a free case evaluation with our Morgantown domestic violence protective order defense attorney, you can book online or call Mountaineer Criminal Law Group at (304) 381-3656.

Consequences of DVPOs in West Virginia can include:

The West Virginia Judiciary defines the regulations pertaining to DVPOs. Temporary and permanent DVPOs can carry the following consequences:

• Prohibition of any form of contact with the accuser, including through third parties, even regarding children under protection.
• Requirement to vacate the shared residence.
• Termination of child custody and visitation rights for the duration of the order.
• Mandate to provide child support and/or spousal support during the order’s validity.
• Orders to stay away from the accuser’s workplace or children’s school/daycare.
• Participation in an intervention program may be mandated.
• Prohibition of gun possession.
• Reimbursement of reasonable costs to the accuser, such as medical care, shelter expenses, or counseling.

We strive to handle each case with utmost care and provide you with the highest level of legal representation.

Temporary orders, lasting for 90 or 180 days, one year, or longer depending on the circumstances, can be issued. Even if you have been named in a temporary order solely based on the claims of your accuser, it is your right to defend yourself in a subsequent hearing. This hearing will determine whether the order should be extended for a more permanent duration.

Challenging a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) in Court

To challenge the accusations made against you in a DVPO court hearing, it is crucial to provide the court with compelling evidence refuting the claims of your accuser. Our experienced Hancock County criminal lawyer attorney can assist you in gathering evidence to support your case. This may include testimonies from witnesses or individuals with information that casts doubt on your accuser’s claims. Evidence such as texts, emails, phone calls, or any other material or physical corroboration that work in your favor will be collected. We are committed to protecting your legal and parental rights and advocating for your best interests by employing every legal means available.