Protecting Your Rights, Reputation, and Future

Being involved in a restraining order case, whether you’re the one seeking protection or the one served with an order, can be highly emotional, intense, and stressful. What’s at stake in the outcome is your home life, reputation, and even your criminal record.

At Emily Shouse, Criminal Defense Attorney, I help clients across Connecticut navigate the complex restraining order process with clarity, compassion, and skill. I make sure that my clients understand their rights, options, and steps to take next. I big part of restraining order representation is listening to your side and strategizing on how to make sure your side is always heard.

Types of Restraining Orders in Connecticut

Connecticut law provides several types of orders designed to prevent harm or contact between individuals. Each type has its own process and consequences:

• Civil restraining orders: Usually issued through family or civil court, when someone claims to be in fear of harm or harassment.

• Ex parte restraining orders: Generally issued by a judge in family court, based solely on the applicant’s sworn statement, temporary until a hearing, and can be filed and put in place in as short as one day.

• Criminal protective orders: Issued automatically in domestic violence criminal cases and remain active while the case is pending. These can include full no-contact, staying away from the home and business, no threats or harassment, or even a requirement to stay a certain distance from the other person at all times.

• Standing criminal protective orders: Long-term or permanent orders that may continue after a case is resolved and are generally an order from the judge by way of a verdict or a plea agreement with the prosecutors.

Violating any of these orders, even unintentionally, can lead to serious criminal charges, possible jail time, and other consequences.

What To Do If You’ve Been Served with a Restraining Order

If you’ve been served with a restraining order, do not ignore it. Even before your hearing, the order can restrict you from contacting the other person, entering your own home, or possessing firearms.

At the restraining order hearing, both sides will be able to present evidence and testimony. I can assist you with:

• Gather text messages, email, witness statements, and other evidence to support your side

• Prepare your testimony or witness testimony

• Challenge false or exaggerated allegations

• Cross-examine the other party to reveal inconsistencies

• Argue for the order to be granted, denied, modified, or dismissed, depending on your situation

Many restraining orders are a result of misunderstandings, emotional conflict, high-intensity divorce and custody cases, and false accusations. Having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference.

If You Want to File for a Restraining Order

If you are in fear for your safety, I can assist you in filing for a restraining order and navigating the court process, which can often be confusing and complex.

I handle these cases with discretion and care, ensuring your application is complete, supported by evidence, and heard as quickly as possible.

What Happens If You Violate a Restraining Order

Violating a restraining or protective order in Connecticut is a felony in Connecticut and will likely result in immediate arrest, fines, jail time, and complications with any other pending criminal cases.

If you’ve been accused of violating an order, I can act quickly to protect your rights and minimize the consequences.

Contact a Connecticut Restraining Order Attorney

With Attorney Emily Shouse, you can benefit from my experience handling domestic violence and protective order cases and representing individuals in restraining order hearings across Connecticut. I aim at thorough preparation for hearings and criminal proceedings, compassion and judgment-free representation, and giving my clients direct access to me from the first call until final resolution. I understand the personal and emotional weight of these cases.

If you’re facing a restraining order and need protection or you need to seek protection, it is important to act quickly. Early legal help can change the outcome. Contact Attorney Emily Shouse today for a free, confidential consultation.