Albuquerque Restraining Order Lawyers
Proven Albuquerque Restraining Order Attorneys Ready To Assist You
A restraining order can wreak havoc on your life. If a restraining order is issued against you, for example, you could be barred from your own home, lose the right to see your children, or even be prevented from showing up for work. A restraining order can be issued temporarily (for a few days) without you even having the right to oppose it in court.
A restraining order typically orders you to refrain from all contact with your accuser, and it might even require that you maintain a certain distance (100 yards, for example). New Mexico restraining orders can be divided into two three classes: (i) criminal restraining orders, (ii) civil restraining orders, and (iii) domestic violence (DV) orders of protection.
Criminal Case Restraining Orders
One type of restraining order is issued in the midst of a criminal case. This is where the judge prohibits any contact with a victim or with witnesses.
Civil Restraining Orders
Another type of restraining order arises when someone alleges that he or she is the victim of harassment or another type of harmful behavior, and that an immediate restraining order is needed to prevent irreparable harm to the victim. This type of restraining order is issued (if at all) in response to a request for a preliminary injunction. It usually lasts for about 10 days until the court can hold an adversarial hearing on the question of whether or not to issue a preliminary injunction, which is more permanent.
Domestic Violence (DV) Restraining Orders
An accuser can obtain a DV restraining order by alleging that they are a victim of domestic violence, which must have been committed against them by a “household member.” Under New Mexico domestic violence law, a “household member” is a spouse, family member, or another person with whom the accused is involved in an ongoing personal relationship.
Definition of “Domestic Violence”
Once upon a time, “domestic violence” referred to physical abuse causing injury. The definition, however, has been greatly expanded and can now include acts or words that cause severe emotional distress, sexual assault, threatening words, criminal trespassing, damage to property, “stalking” behavior, or threatened harm to children. Theoretically, even the use of insulting language can be classified as domestic violence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can obtain a DV protection order?
Anyone who alleges that he or she has been abused by a household member can petition a court for a DV restraining order against a current or former “household member.” The abuse should have occurred within 30 days of filing the petition, and the petitioner must reasonably anticipate further abuse if the order is not issued.
What is the specific procedure for obtaining a DV protection order? Am I allowed to oppose it in court?
Any “household member” who accuses you of domestic violence can seek an emergency order of protection at an ex parte hearing (a hearing that takes place outside of your presence).The order expires in 72 hours, and if your accuser wants to extend the duration of the order, he or she must prevail at an adversarial hearing where you are entitled to present your side of the story.
A DV restraining order can be issued against you before you are even convicted of a crime. Since it is considered a civil matter (not a criminal matter), the burden of proof that must be met to justify the order is lower than in criminal court. However, you can still be arrested for violating it, and you can be convicted even if you are eventually acquitted of the underlying domestic violence charge. Let a committed Albuquerque restraining order attorney at our firm handle your case.
What are some mistakes that defendants commonly make when faced with a restraining order?
Three of the most common mistakes are:
- Getting rid of unfavorable evidence. You could be arrested for this. Even if you haven’t been arrested, it will make you look bad.
- Trying to contact the accuser or the accuser’s potential witnesses.
- Violating an order of protection, civil restraining order, or other court order.
What Can I Expect to Happen at My Hearing?
When seeking a restraining order, you may be issued an immediate but temporary order until an adversarial hearing can be held. Whether you are the accuser or the accused, this hearing will give you a chance to present your side to a judge. This hearing is quite like a mini-trial in many ways.
First of all, and much like a trial, this is an evidentiary hearing. The accuser is allowed to present evidence to the court to show that they are in reasonable fear of harm if the accused is not restrained from contact with them. Verbal testimony is often the most common type of evidence presented, and make no mistake – testimony is evidence. There is really no requirement that the accuser present any physical or tangible evidence of abuse. They certainly can present this type of evidence if it exists, but it isn’t necessary. Photos of injuries at the hands of their abuser or photos of the aftermath of a domestic fight that includes property damage are just two examples of tangible evidence that may be presented to the court – but these things aren’t necessary for the alleged victim to prevail at the hearing.
Likewise, the accused is allowed their day in court as well. They are able to respond to all accusations levelled against them by their accuser and to present any exculpatory evidence that may be available. Both sides can present witnesses on their own behalf. All witnesses, including the accused and accuser, are subject to direct and cross examination just like during a trial. However, at this hearing, there is no jury, and the judge will make the ultimate determination of who is to be believed and whether or not the restraining order should be enacted.
Take Prompt and Decisive Action. Call our Experienced Albuquerque Restraining Order Lawyers
If a restraining order has been filed against you, you are likely to have two problems: the restraining order itself; and the accusation upon which the restraining order is based, which could lead to criminal charges against you. This is no time to play around – you need legal assistance immediately. Contact a highly skilled Albuquerque restraining order lawyer to discuss the matter.
If a restraining order has been issued against you in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or if you anticipate such a scenario, call New Mexico Criminal Law Offices today and speak to our highly skilled Albuquerque restraining order attorneys or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve clients from Academy Heights, Jade Park, Seville, The Aspens, and elsewhere in Albuquerque. We can also visit you in jail if this becomes necessary.
Ken and Jack proved to be diligent, ethical and hard working. They achieved our goals and were dedicated to my case. I would highly recommend Ken and Jack.
Highly recommend. Ken Gleria lived up to his excellent reputation. He proved to be completely honest with me and had my best interest at heart. Case dismissed in 4 months. He initially told me it would be about 6 months. Colleagues and staff outstanding as well. Will trust him again if the occasion should ever arise (hopefully not).
I unhesitatingly recommend this firm.Their knowledge of the law resulted in the dismissal of my case.In every instance they were there for me in communicating the status of my case, my calls were promptly returned, and Jackie, the paralegal, was very helpful. You will be in good hands.
Jack & his legal team are outstanding! Being a single mother, fighting for her fathers freedom, the front desk personally helped by watching my son as Jack & I sorted out legal matters. Jack went above & beyond to ensure paperwork was submitted in a timely manner, even if it meant traveling numerous miles to various court houses. Jack is highly educated and impressive in the courtroom. Jack remained patient as our family struggled to understand New Mexico’s broken law system. This year Jack has given us the greatest gift of them all, my father is home celebrating the holidays with his family. I would highly recommend Jack & his team for all of your criminal law needs.
Our experienced legal practitioner also handles other types of cases, including:
- DUI
- Domestic Abuse
- Drug Charges
- Assault & Battery
- Child Neglect
- Homicide
- Larceny
- Minor in Possession
- Probation Violation
- Resisting Arrest
- Robbery
- Sex Crime
- White Collar Crime
- Expungement
