     EXCELLENT

Have You Been Served with a Restraining Order?

If you have been served with a restraining order (also sometimes referred to as a protective order), you likely have a lot of questions. While an experienced criminal defense lawyer can answer each and every one of your queries, the aim of this article is to address one of the most commonly asked questions: what can a restraining order do? However, please keep in mind that each restraining order is different and that the possible effects discussed below may or may not be applicable in your case.

The Possible Effects

The effects of a restraining order vary slightly depending on which type of protective order (i.e. civil harassment, domestic violence, elder/dependent adult abuse, or workplace violence restraining order) has been issued against you. However, judges often order restrained people:

Not to contact the protected person or any member of their household
To stay away from the protected person, their children, or any member of their household
Not to go near the protected person’s work and/or school
To stay away from the protected person’s children’s school
To move out of the residence that they share with the protected person
To attend domestic violence and/or anger management counseling sessions
Not to have a firearm

Additionally, the effects of a restraining order can extend beyond what the issuing judge specifically prohibited you from doing. For example, individuals who are required to carry a gun for work may experience serious professional setbacks if there is a restraining order in effect against them that prohibits them from having a firearm. Additionally, if you are not an American citizen then having a restraining order issued against you may impact your immigration status.

Furthermore, regardless of your immigration statute, the fact that a restraining order has been issued against you is generally a matter of public record, which means that it will pop up every time someone (including a potential employer) does a background check on you.

How Long Can a Restraining Order Remain in Effect?

The amount of time that a restraining order can remain in effect varies greatly depending on the type of protective order issued. For example, an emergency protective order can only be in effect for one week, a temporary restraining order lasts until a hearing can be scheduled (which generally takes approximately 20 to 25 days), and a permanent restraining order can last three to five years (and can be renewed).

Let Us Assist You with Your Case

If you have been charged with a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco for help in defending against these charges.

Thanks to the Morales Law Firm for their insight into criminal law and your constitutional rights.

Client Reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Anonymous 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was facing a charge of Reckless Driving for speeding on I66 at midnight. This is considered a Class 1 Misdemeanor in the state of Virginia. Having something like Reckless Driving on your record is on par with having a DUI. This charge also carries a chance for jail time (up to a year).

I was incredibly scared because I had never faced such a charge. And looking into Virginia Law, my speed exceeded 90mph, which is quite serious.

I retained Dave Albo to help me with this case. Since my record was clean, Dave had advised I do the following before my trial.

* Take a DMV Driver's Improvement Course

* Take a Behavior Modification Course

* Do 100 hours of community service

* Print my DMV Record one week before the trial

On the day of my trial, Dave got my Reckless Driving charge REDUCED to a regular Speeding charge. This was the absolute best case scenario for me.

No criminal record.
No jail time.
No suspension of license.

I did receive 6 demerit points and had to pay a fine of $250 (plus court fees). But that's a slap on the wrist, compared to what I could have been facing.

Thank you Dave Albo for helping me through this ordeal!
  
 
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   Tom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave albo it's a fantastic lawyer.
He has helped me twice now with great results both times with minor traffic tickets.
I would recommend him to anybody including my family. He has great ethics and honesty which is what I look for in a lawyer .
  
 
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   kendall carpenter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave was my attorney recently for a car accident where I needed someone to represent me in court. After exchanging all necessary information he reassured me when the court date came that there wouldn’t be anything to worry about. On the day of court a couple problems arose and Dave was able to rectify them quickly, told me everything I need to say if needed and when it was all over he got my violation reduced significantly. I hope to never go to court again but if I do I will being calling Dave again.
  
 
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   Amanda Stallard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Retaining the services of Mr. Albo for traffic court was probably the best decision I made. He is very responsive to emails, knowledgeable, and punctual. He provided excellent advice that eased the panic of having to go to the court house and stand before a judge. I am very happy with the outcome of my visit to traffic court and highly recommend Dave Albo.
  
 
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   Mark West 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Albo was very professional and I was pleased with the outcome.
  
 
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   M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David was incredible to work with from clear communication and next steps. To showing up to traffic court early to walk over all steps, making case in court as experienced/intelligent/well spoken lawyer. Lastly, he even followed after case in writing to confirm the outcome outlining everything that happened in lamen terms (in my case the best outcome we could ask for). I’m so appreciative to David.
  
 
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   mitquinn88 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely top notch representation. Can't thank Dave enough for his knowledge and expertise.
  
 
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   G R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Dave Albo for a fantastic job representing me and ensuring the best possible outcome for my case.  I highly recommend him - you will be in good hands for sure.  From start to finish he provided expert counsel and kept me well informed.  He  simply could not have done a better job.
  
 
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   Hope Carrigan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am THRILLED with the outcome of my case, all thanks to Attorney Albo's superb expertise, excellent advice & sharp negotiating skills! I am extremely relieved and  grateful; I highly recommend retaining his services. Well beyond worth it!!
  
 
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   Doug Damron 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave did a great job representing me for my traffic court infraction! I wanted the best and his name came up as I searched for an attorney. Highly recommend him on all levels including a successful outcome to my case.