Chicago Orders Protection

Chicago Orders of Protection Lawyer

Domestic violence continues to be a disruptive problem in the Chicago, IL, area and throughout the United States. Every day, thousands of people living in the United States experience all types of domestic violence, sometimes with devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in any kind of incident of domestic violence, you need legal representation you can trust to take full advantage of the legal protections available in this situation.

Helping Keep Our Chicago Clients Safe With Orders of Protection

Johnson O’Keefe has years of experience representing Chicago area clients in difficult family court cases, including those pertaining to domestic violence. Any incident of domestic violence can cause many long-term effects on the family in question, and the party responsible for engaging in domestic violence faces severe criminal penalties for their actions. If you need legal counsel after any type of domestic violence in the Chicago area, our firm can assist you in holding the responsible party accountable for their actions. We can also provide comprehensive legal representation in any family court proceedings that unfold in response to your experience.

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At Johnson O’Keefe, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.
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Myles S. Johnson Photo

Myles S. Johnson

MEMBER

Genet T. Johnson

MEMBER

Shannon M. O'Keefe

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, MEMBER

Taylor K. Brice

MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Jessica Lasky

DOAD, MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Anne E. Hinds

MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Myron L. Latney Jr.

MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

What Is Domestic Violence?

“Domestic violence” is a relatively broad term that applies to any form of physical violence, sexual abuse, or other intentional harm inflicted by one family or household member on another. The parties involved in a situation like this do not necessarily need to be married or otherwise related for the situation to qualify as domestic violence, nor must they live in the same household. Domestic violence can arise between any family or household members regardless of whether they live together.
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?

An order of protection, commonly called a restraining order, is a formal court order that prohibits a specific party from contacting or coming into physical proximity of another party. For example, when Illinois police officers respond to calls for domestic violence, they have a legal duty to remove the alleged abuser from the situation and protect the victim from further harm. This usually entails contacting a judge to secure a temporary protective order.

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

Domestic violence occurs in many ways, but it is most often reported as occurring within immediate family circles and single households. If your spouse hurt you in any form of domestic violence, this is likely enough for you to justify filing for divorce, and the domestic violence you experienced will have a very strong influence on the final outcome of your divorce.

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.

“They took a very stressful situation and made it a very pleasant storm.”

I wasn’t familiar with the process of child custody but I must say not only did Myles and his team direct me properly but it was a process that wasn’t money motivated. Very professional group, I was constantly informed of any step or move needed to be made. When you have someone in your corner that understands the importance of family it makes the situation a ton easier, thank you Myles and Johnson group for everything!
– Dwight

“Everyone I dealt with at the firm was extremely professional, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable.”

I worked with Elizabeth and she did way more for me than I thought possible. I was in a bad situation when I came in. She took my case then proceeded to go above and beyond until the very end. With them working my case my stress about the whole thing was pretty much gone.
– Nick D.

“Johnson O'Keefe and in particular Elizabeth Gregory was phenomenal with their representation of my case.”

Everyone was fast to return calls or emails. They explained everything thoroughly and so that I could understand the process. They worked with me every step of the way. I would highly recommend Johnson O’Keefe and if needed would go with them again. Thank you so much.I was in a very difficult custody/child support dispute with my ex-spouse. Working with her was such a wonderful experience, kept our goals at the top of every conversation, knew all points and avenues that we could take, never lead us in the wrong direction They worked tirelessly on my case and the outcome was exactly what I expected! I would recommend this firm to anyone who is going through a family law issue.

– Liz

“Myles Johnson is an excellent divorce attorney – the Best of the Best!”

I HIGHLY recommend him and his legal team of paralegals and staff because I had a great experience with them. Myles is smart and savvy and fully committed to his clients as an attorney and mediator. He represented me in my divorce and when we went to court his talent and expertise rose to the top giving me confidence and inspiration during this hardship. I am so glad I had Johnson O’Keefe at my side! It made my divorce a little bit easier knowing this group had my back and worked hard to get me what was fair and equitable with the utmost care and concern for me as a client and most importantly as an individual.
– M.J.

“Quick response to questions, making the line of communication superb.”

Johnson O’Keefe did and is doing an excellent job with my case. Thanks for all help and wish you all a great future.
– Mista

“Professional, caring, organized.”

Amazing law firm. They will represent your best interests! They communicate well with you and are straight forward with everything from rates to the legal process. Myles Johnson is a experienced, knowledgeable, well-versed in the laws as they pertain in each county throughout the State of Colorado. As a client, I highly recommend Johnson O’Keefe!!
– Caleb

“Myles was firm and consistent while being very professional with the opposition.”

Myles and his firm did an excellent job on my case. He helped me settle a financial dispute with my ex-wife concerning my retirement income. Myles was a good communicator and responded to questions and concerns promptly. I will definitely call him if I am ever in need of a lawyer.
– Rob

“My goals and the safety of my children were always the priority to the JOK team.”

I called Johnson Law Group extremely frustrated and stressed with the process of my custody case. From the consultation to every conversation after, Elizabeth went out of her way to make sure that i was comfortable with all the matters and decisions. I highly recommend Elizabeth and the whole Johnson O’Keefe team to anyone going through custody matters. Elizabeth, Cassidy, and Paola were amazing, and made me feel like i was a friend, not just a client. I would happily use them again if needed.
– Patricia
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Find Your Legal Team Today

Do not underestimate the value of reliable legal counsel, no matter what your domestic violence case entails. Whether you have been wrongfully accused and are convinced you can prove your innocence, or you have experienced domestic violence and believe your abuser’s guilt is clear, you need experienced legal representation to navigate your case successfully. 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 free consultation with a Chicago domestic violence attorney you can trust with your case.

Individualized Attention

Just as each family is unique, so is each family legal matter. We always take the time to completely understand your situation so that we can tailor our advice and strategy accordingly.

Highly Recommended

Our clients often take the time to write and thank us, not only for the results we have earned for them but also for the respect we’ve shown them.

Supportive Counsel

We never lose sight of the fact that divorce and other household conflicts can feel overwhelming. Our family lawyers will answer all of your questions to ease your burden in this difficult time.