How an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney can Help:

• If the other party has an attorney and you do not, your chances of winning are immediately reduced. The other party's lawyer has done the necessary preparation, only a skilled criminal defense attorney would know.
  
• Even though you are permitted to ask the judge for a "continuance" to reset the court hearing to another date when you can bring your lawyer, additional fees will be required and the time spent cannot be recovered.
  
• Being prepared with an attorney from the start is the smartest and most cost-effective way to handle your Restraining Order. Your attorney will ensure that all of the proper documents have been filed, knows how to handle the judge's questions, and will not be caught off-guard by any unusual circumstances.

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Restraining Order Attorney. If you have been served with or would like to file a Restraining Order, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.

DEFENDING a Restraining Order:

WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS? The Respondent (person receiving notice of the Restraining Order) must be officially given notice (served) the Restraining Order. Being 'served' a Restraining Order means that formal copies of the Restraining Order Notice have been personally delivered to the Respondent. These copies must be both easy-to-read and include an Answer to Temporary Restraining Order (form DV-120). This is the Respondent's opportunity to respond to the allegations made by the Petitioner. The Respondent will have from 10 to 20 days before the hearing to file an answer to the Petitioner's statements.

GOING TO COURT. A hearing is needed for a judge to determine whether or not a Restraining Order is necessary. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether or not to issue, change, or cancel the Restraining Order. This can happen in one business day or sooner. Arriving at the hearing early, prepared, and with your attorney will ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Restraining Order Attorney. If you have been served with or would like to file a Restraining Order, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.

FILING a Restraining Order:

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES? Once the Petitioner (person requesting Restraining Order) files a Restraining Order and it is properly served on the abuser, the abuse or harassment WILL STOP! The abuser's first reaction is to respond with outrage and even violence. From the victim's point of view he/she will be relieved and will no longer feel alone or helpless. The victim will no longer be an easy target to be abused and beaten. The victim now has new and powerful friends -- the Court. The abuser will think twice about violating the Restraining Order because there are now consequences for violating the court order - JAIL.

RESTRAINING ORDER VIOLATIONS. If, after the hearing, the Restraining Order is violated, the abuser can be found to be in contempt of a court order and this violation may be treated as a criminal matter that could result in serious consequences, including jail time.

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Restraining Order Attorney. If you have been served with or would like to file a Restraining Order, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.

Types of Restraining Orders:

1. Emergency Protective Order (EPO) - This Restraining Order is issued by law enforcement and is valid for 5 days. Useful for domestic violence victims.
   
2. Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order (TRO or DVRO) - This civil Restraining Order is temporary for 3 weeks and can be made permanent for 1 to 3 years. Useful for domestic violence victims.
   
3. Criminal Protective Order ("No Contact" order) - This Restraining Order is obtained through the District Attorney's office and is issued in active domestic violence criminal cases.
   
4. Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHO) - This Restraining Order is a civil order and is used for stopping harassment / annoyances by neighbors, roommates, and co-workers.

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Restraining Order Attorney. If you have been served with or would like to file a Restraining Order, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.

What is a Restraining Order?

In California, Restraining Orders are court orders signed by a judge that help people with various types of abuse. There are 4 types of Restraining Orders available for an individual to file.

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Restraining Order Attorney. If you have been served with or would like to file a Restraining Order, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.