CHICAGO
ORDERS OF PROTECTION
Chicago domestic violence attorney/lawyer
Helping Keep Our Chicago Clients Safe With Orders of Protection
What Is Domestic Violence?
These cases may erupt between parents, children, siblings, and other extended relatives. It is also possible for domestic violence to arise between former spouses, romantic partners, and roommates. Domestic violence can include physical abuse such as hitting, slapping, and strangling the victim, sexual abuse of any kind, neglect, psychological abuse, and isolation.
The penalties for domestic violence typically mirror those applied to the standard versions of these offenses. For example, the state of Illinois makes a legal distinction between simple assault and domestic assault, the latter of which carries harsher penalties due to its designation as a domestic violence offense. If a standard offense would typically result in fines and jail time, a domestic violence offense of a similar nature is likely to incur a greater fine and longer incarceration term. However, the offense is also likely to generate family court proceedings in addition to a criminal case filed by the state.
What Are Orders of Protection?
This order will prohibit the abuser from coming near the victim, their home, and their work, and it will prevent them from contacting the victim as well. This temporary order will expire on an assigned hearing date, and during this hearing, the judge will decide whether to transform the order into a permanent protective order or rescind the order. An order of protection includes very specific terms and conditions. If a party subject to an order of protection fails or refuses to abide by the terms of the order, they face severe penalties, including fines and jail time.
Domestic Violence and Family Court
When any party is convicted of domestic violence, they will face very harsh penalties assigned by the criminal court and civil liability for the victim’s damages. Additionally, their actions will also affect any custody or visitation rights they may have previously held. This is especially likely if the defendant engaged in domestic violence against their own child or any other child. Once parental rights are involuntarily terminated in Illinois, it is difficult, if not impossible, for that parent to regain those lost parental rights.
When domestic violence plays a role in a divorce case, it is crucial to have legal representation you can trust. Your Chicago domestic violence attorney can help you ensure that your experiences receive appropriate attention from the court. The judge overseeing your case must evaluate any domestic abuse you have experienced, and this will undoubtedly influence various aspects of your case.
Unfortunately, it is relatively common for false accusations of domestic violence to be levied during divorce proceedings and custody disputes. For example, a parent may claim their co-parent has been abusive in an attempt to gain sole custody of their child. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence of any kind, it is easy to feel as though the entire system is working against you. Hiring an experienced attorney is the best way to resolve this challenging situation and prove the truth of the matter. In addition, when you have an experienced Chicago domestic violence attorney representing you, you will be better equipped to address any such issues that might arise unexpectedly in family court.
Find Your Legal Team Today
Johnson O’Keefe has years of experience representing Chicago area clients in emotionally charged family court cases, including those that involve domestic violence. No matter what your case entails, contact Johnson O’Keefe today to schedule a consultation with a Chicago domestic violence attorney you can trust with your case.
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