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Fairmont Domestic Violence Protective Order Defense Lawyer
Advocating for the Wrongfully Accused in Monongalia, Marion, Preston, Harrison, Taylor, and Throughout West Virginia
West Virginia courts issue domestic violence protective orders (DVPOs) to shield individuals and families from potential abuse by close relations or members of the same household. These orders, often called “restraining orders,” might be granted temporarily during emergencies or for a longer-term. Worryingly, a judge could issue an emergency DVPO based solely on an accuser’s claims, without substantial evidence and without your side of the story being heard.
DVPOs can throw your life into disarray. Being labeled as an abuser can tarnish your reputation, restrict your freedoms, and lead to considerable financial stress through legal fees. These orders are part of public records, often surfacing in background checks which could jeopardize your future career, living situations, and more. Any infringement of these orders can bring about criminal allegations. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we commit to delivering a robust defense against potentially inaccurate, overstated, or deceitful accusations and those made to obtain an advantage in family law disputes.
Arrange your complimentary case consultation with our Fairmont Criminal Lawyer via our website or by calling Mountaineer Criminal Law Group at (304) 381-3656.
The Impact of a DVPO in West Virginia
Under West Virginia law, both temporary and long-term DVPOs can have effects such as:
- Banning all forms of communication with the accuser, including through children if they’re covered by the order.
- Requiring you to vacate any shared home.
- Suspending child custody and visitation for the order’s duration.
- Mandating child and/or partner support payments while the order stands.
- Keeping you distant from the accuser’s workplace or your children’s school/daycare centers.
- Involving you in intervention programs.
- Withdrawing your right to possess firearms.
- Charging you with any costs your accuser incurs, from medical and housing to counseling fees.
DVPO durations can range from 90 days to over a year, based on specific case details. Even if a temporary order is placed against you based on just your accuser’s assertions, you retain the right to defend yourself during a subsequent hearing geared towards evaluating the order’s persistence.
Legal Strategies Against DVPOs
Countering a DVPO in court hinges on the presentation of substantial evidence that challenges the claims made by your accuser. Our criminal defense team is prepared to help you compile compelling evidence to support your case. This could encompass witness accounts or other relevant figures who question the accusations levied against you, or documented evidence like texts, emails, and phone records. We pledge to exercise all lawful avenues to safeguard your rights, including parental rights, always aiming to secure the most favorable outcome for you.
Remember, navigating the legal intricacies of DVPOs requires expertise and an understanding ally. By selecting a Fairmont DUI Lawyer, you’re enlisting a staunch defender of your rights, equipped to ensure that justice and truth prevail in your defense. Contact us today to learn how we can support you during this challenging time.