Tampa Protection Orders Violations Attorney

Experienced Protection Orders Violations Lawyer in Tampa

Protection orders are in place to not only protect victims, but also to protect those served with one from violating the law and facing severe consequences. Being charged with violating a protection order can be a tremendously overwhelming, disheartening, and isolating experience to undergo. If you have been accused of violating any court-ordered protection requirements, you may benefit from choosing to hire a skilled Tampa protection orders violations attorney.

With over 15 years of experience, attorney Paul Figueroa leads our team with an unwavering dedication to the clients we serve. By putting the needs of our clients first, we address each of their unique needs to prioritize the help they deserve. We understand how much is at risk for those accused of violating their protection orders and use our knowledge and experience to help you confidently confront the legal battle ahead.

With our help, you can trust your rights will be protected, and you will have a dedicated team there to support you.

The Different Types of Protection Orders in Florida

There are several different types of protection orders that a person may receive from a Florida court of law. Here are some examples:

• Domestic violence injunction. You may be given a domestic violence protection order when an alleged victim of domestic violence files a claim stating a cause to fear imminent danger that is then deemed reasonable by the court.
• Repeat violence injunction. Repeat violence injunctions are issued when someone has committed more than one incident of violence within a specific time frame.
• Risk protection order. Risk Protection Orders, or RPOs, are filed by law enforcement when they believe that the owner of a firearm and/or ammunition is a potential risk to themself and/or other people. Should the order be issued, law enforcement can seize their weapons for a certain amount of time.
• Sexual violence injunction. When an alleged victim of sexual violence files a report that the courts deem viable, an individual may receive a sexual violence protection order.
• Stalking and/or cyberstalking injunction. Whether the alleged stalking occurs in person or online, if a supposed victim can present proof that another individual has willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly been harassing them, a stalking or cyberstalking injunction may be issued.

When any of these orders are allegedly violated, those accused of the violation can find themselves facing difficult legal circumstances.

Violating Protection Orders in Tampa

It is estimated that approximately 40% of all protection orders, or POs, are violated. When it comes to the process of handling said violations, Florida law, specifically Florida Statutes § 948.06, typically requires that these crimes be treated as first-degree misdemeanors.

Here are some key aspects of the process that follow when a PO has been broken in Tampa:

• You will be arrested right away. Any act determined to be in direct violation of your PO can result in your immediate arrest, regardless of whether the protected party invited you to make contact.
• Your violations will be evaluated. An action may be considered a violation if the individual shows up at the protected party’s place of employment or residence, tries to contact them, commits an act of violence against them, or is found in possession of firearms, which can lead to additional charges being filed. All these actions will be assessed, and the court will determine what charges can be filed against you.
• You will be charged. Violating your PO agreement is typically considered a misdemeanor, but charges may be increased to felony status if you have been found guilty of past violations. This can lead to far more severe penalties moving forward.
• Your bond and further penalties will be determined. If any acts or attempted acts of violence were committed while in violation of your PO agreement, it is likely you will have a harder time securing bail, especially if you have any past PO violation convictions on your record.
• Any convictions will go on your permanent record. If you are found guilty, the charge(s) will go on your permanent record and can negatively influence your future as a whole.

The Long-Term Consequences of a Protection Order Violation Conviction

Not only can undergoing the legal process required for alleged protection order violations be exhausting and overwhelming, but if you are found guilty, you could face several long-term, negative impacts on your future.

These violations stay on your permanent record, and if you are accused of violating protection orders in the future, your past convictions will most likely have an impact on the outcome of your future case. This can lead to steeper penalties and an increased likelihood of being found guilty again.

Having any convictions on your permanent record can impact your ability to secure employment and/or housing opportunities. You could also end up spending time in prison and struggling to protect your reputation from long-lasting damage.

Hire a Protection Orders Violation Attorney

When you choose to hire a protection orders violation lawyer, you can get the help you need to fully pursue your desired outcomes and understand how to navigate the complexities of your case.

There is plenty at stake for those accused of violating their protection orders, regardless of how they allegedly did so or the kind of order they are accused of violating. In spite of the situation you may find yourself in and the severity of the potential penalties you may be facing, you can benefit from the assistance, insight, knowledge, and dedication of a skilled and compassionate protection orders violation lawyer.

Your lawyer can also help you prepare and schedule for any required appearances you may have at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse or at the Clerk’s Domestic Violence section of that courthouse, depending on the conditions surrounding the protection orders violations case.

There, your lawyer can provide you with the representation, advocacy, and guidance you need to work toward clearing your name, as well as protecting you, your freedom, your rights, and your future.

Tampa Protection Orders Violations Attorney

Handling a case alone can leave you feeling overwhelmed and isolated. Fortunately, when you hire a protection orders violation attorney, you can get the help you need. Contact Paul Figueroa Law today to schedule a consultation and let us help you build a strategic and compelling case.