Restraining Orders

California Civil Harassment, Domestic Violence, Workplace And Elder Abuse Temporary and Permanent

Restraining orders in Los Angeles can have extremely serious consequences – loss of jobs, future employment or school admissions. Most importantly, a violation of a restraining order is a crime, punishable by jail time!

Restraining order law is not simple. There are many details that only an expert in the field like Kenneth H. Lewis, who has handled hundreds of these cases, knows. Trying to handle this type of case on your own is like practicing surgery on yourself!

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If you are dealing with a restraining order issue, contact our firm today to discuss your options.

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Types of Restraining Orders

• Domestic Violence Restraining Orders are designed to protect persons that have been involved in abusive dating, marriage or cohabitation relationships. They are available when there has been actual or threatened physical violence, harmful conduct or serious harassment. The party asking for a domestic violence restraining order need only prove their case by a so-called "preponderance of the evidence", i.e. a 51% to 49% standard.
• Workplace Violence Restraining Orders can be obtained by an employee, or an employer on behalf of an employee, where this has been actual violence, or a creditable threat of violence in the workplace.
• Civil Harassment Restraining Orders are meant for parties that are not in the intimate relationships applicable to Domestic Violence Restraining Orders. Often these would be classmates or neighbors. "Harassment" means a credible threat of violence, actual violence or a course of conduct that seriously annoys alarms or harasses a person, and serves no legitimate purpose.
• Elder Abuse Restraining Orders are available for anyone over 65 years of age, or who is a "dependent adult" who has been physically, mentally or financially abused, abandoned, abducted, isolated, neglected or deprived by a caregiver of goods or services need to avoid harm or suffering.

Are The Above Restraining Orders Criminal Charges?

NO. They are civil orders and are not criminal in and of themselves. However, should the restrained party violate the order, the violation of the restraining order can be charged as a misdemeanor, with the possibility of imprisonment in jail for up to one year. Alternatively, a violation of a restraining order can be charged as a "contempt of court" which also carries the possibility of jail time.

Does A Restraining Order Show Up In A Record Check?

Yes, in most situations. Most restraining orders are "CLETS Orders". This means they are entered into the California criminal database, known as CLETS, "California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System", often called a "rap sheet". All police departments have access to these records and use them in enforcing restraining orders. These CLETS orders can create serious problems when looking for work, applying to admission to school, or trying to obtain a state license. Kenneth H. Lewis is often able to avoid the entry of a CLETS order when he represents a client by negotiating with the complaining party.

What Is A "Temporary Restraining Order"?

A "Temporary Restraining Order" is often issued by the court prior to a full hearing on a restraining order case, in order to keep the parties apart until a full hearing is held. Even if an allegation of serious physical abuse or harassment is made by a party, the court does not have the time to hold an immediate hearing and will, if the proper paperwork is filed, issue the temporary restraining order to keep the "status quo" and the parties apart, until a full hearing is held.

At the full hearing the court will determine what the facts are; who is telling the truth, and decide if the temporary restraining order should be made permanent. If the court decides there has been abuse or harassment, it can issue a "Permanent Restraining Order" for (typically) between 3 and 5 years, depending on the circumstances. If the court does not believe there has been abuse or harassment, it will dissolve the temporary restraining order and the case is dismissed.

How Can Restraining Orders Affect Work & Life?

A restraining order is a protective order designed to protect one party from another who has allegedly threatened or harmed them. No matter what type of restraining order is imposed, the life of the restrained is affected. The duration of a restraining order can vary.

A restraining order in Los Angeles can affect your relationship with your family, your employment, and certain civil rights. Each situation is unique and not every factor applies to every order.

When a Restraining Order Affects Your Home

A restraining order requires you to remain within a certain distance away from the person with the accusation. If you are living in the same home as your partner, you will have to leave immediately. You will likely have to be escorted back to your home to collect your clothes.

This visit will likely last less than an hour and you will be able to only collect belongings that are undisputedly yours.

How a Restraining Order Can Affect Daily Life

It's likely you frequent many of the same places as your significant other. A restraining order means no contact under any circumstances. So, if you accidentally run into your partner in the grocery store you could be in trouble.

When a Restraining Order Threatens Employment

Under most circumstances, a restraining order in Los Angeles would not affect a job where you have been working for a significant period. Since a restraining order is a public record, it can affect a job search. Your potential new employer may discover your restraining order during a background check.

Why Should I Retain Kenneth H. Lewis To Obtain Or Oppose A Restraining Order?

Because Kenneth H. Lewis has been handling restraining order cases for years and has vast experience in this area. These are not simple cases and many parties that try to handle their own case are shocked when they find that they either could not obtain the order, or have had a multi-year order issued against them, ruining, for example, their career. Restraining Order cases must be handled seriously and professionally.

California Restraining Orders Against Family

Many Americans say their family is their number one priority, which makes restraining orders against family members’ delicate and complicated matters. If you receive a restraining order from a family member, this blog can help you understand the circumstances of your situation and help you take the next steps.

California Restraining Orders Against Family

Type of Restraining Orders

First, it is important to identify the kind of restraining order filed against you.

The restraining order is for domestic violence if the family member is your:

• Spouse or domestic partner;
• Ex-spouse or legally separated person;
• Parent;
• Child;
• Sibling;
• Grandparent;
• Grandchild; or
• In-law.

The restraining order is for civil harassment if the family member is 2 degrees removed, such as your:

• Uncle or aunt;
• Niece or nephew; or
• Cousin.

Purpose of a Restraining Order

Second, it is important to identify why your family member filed a restraining order against you.

A family member can file a restraining order for the following reasons:

• Unlawful violence (assault, battery, etc.); or
• A credible threat of violence that seriously scares, annoys, or harasses someone with no valid reason.

A “credible threat of violence” can include threats of:

• Stalking;
• Harassing calls/texts/e-mails/messages over some time.

Dealing with a Restraining Order in Los Angeles

Family members will often misuse restraining orders to punish others for making decisions against their wishes. If a family member has made a restraining order against you, you have two options. Your first option, you could abide by the restraining order, which means you will have to miss family get-togethers and you won’t be able to communicate with the person protected by the order.

Your second option: fight against the restraining order. If you have received a misguided restraining order from a family member, attorney Kenneth Lewis can help you fight for your rights.

You Need an Attorney With Specialized Knowledge

Kenneth H. Lewis one of the relatively few lawyers to have actually argued a case before the California Supreme Court, People v. Leon. He is not only admitted before all the courts in California, but also the United States District Court for the Central District of California, the United States 9^th Circuit Court of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court, where he appeared at counsel's table in the case of California vs. Rooney.

He offers no cost consultations, and will fully explain the Los Angeles restraining order process. He will complete all paperwork, and present your case in court in the most vigorous manner possible. He will keep you fully informed about the progress of your case and make sure that everything possible is done to insure a successful result.