Domestic Violence and Civil Protection Order Cases
Domestic violence is a wide-range problem that our courts take extremely seriously. Estimates range from 960,000 incidents of violence against a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend, to 3 million women in the U.S. who are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend per year. We represent individuals in Domestic Relations Court on both sides of these disputes. While it is most often violence against women which is litigated, our firm has represented many male victims of domestic violence as well. When there is legitimate abuse taking place, a civil protection order may be a life-saver. When the order is used as an over-reaction to an isolated incident, the result can be very destructive to the accused. In addition, some people are motivated to make false allegations of domestic violence in order to try to gain an advantage in a custody or divorce proceeding!
Civil Protection Orders (CPO's) can be issued against people who reside in the same household, those who are in a dating relationship, acquaintances, and others who pose a credible threat. In most counties in Ohio, Civil Protection Orders (CPO's) are granted by the Domestic Relations Court. The victim must have a "special relationship" with the abuser, as defined by statute, and meet the legal definition of "being in danger of domestic violence". CPO's can last for up to five (5) years and the abuser can be arrested and put in jail for violating the order.
In addition to limiting or prohibiting contact between the victim and the abuser, the CPO can also preclude the alleged abuser from returning home. It may address related issues such as payment of the victim's bills, where any children of the victim will live, if there will be any visitation, and the payment of child support. The abuser can be prohibited from possessing any firearm and be ordered to participate in anger management or "batterer's" counseling. Those who are convicted of domestic violence, or who are under a CPO or restraining order, may find it difficult to find employment in the future and may experience investigation and restraint during travel outside of the U.S.
If you have been either a victim of domestic violence or have a temporary CPO issued against you, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer who can help protect your rights. Please don't hesitate to contact Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues at (937) 293-2141 to schedule an appointment. Or, if you would prefer, you can click here to contact us online. In addition, we have an emergency phone number, (937) 760-4357, which we answer around-the-clock. We can discuss and analyze the facts and aggressively protect your legal rights!
Divorce and Family Law Matters
