how much should i pay for a lawyer restraining order defense

by Kyle Feil 8 min read

In the United States, the cost to get a restraining order will range from $100 to $400 depending on which state you live in. Initial consultations with lawyers may be priced at $25 to $50. There are situations, usually cases of stalking or domestic violence, wherein filing fees are actually waived.

Expect to pay for a minimum of five-10 hours of time when hiring an attorney for a restraining order hearing, which will cover both preparation and time in the courtroom. Five-10 hours of an attorney time can cost $450-$5,000. Court reporter fees might be incurred during a protection order hearing.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a restraining order?

You also have the right to be represented by an attorney, although in restraining order proceedings, you are not entitled to free counsel or a court-appointed attorney. You should never ignore a restraining order request. Instead, you should get information about your rights and options, consult with a lawyer, and participate in the court process.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

Hourly billing rates will vary greatly, depending on the relative ability of the lawyer and your personal case circumstances. Typically, you can expect to pay $150 to $700 an hour for a criminal defense lawyer’s time.

What is a restraining order in New York?

Most restraining orders are issued in connection with domestic violence or conflict in intimate or family relationships, including physical abuse, harassment, stalking, and sexual assault.

Is a restraining order a serious matter?

Restraining Orders are Serious Matters. Instead, you should get information about your rights and options, consult with a lawyer, and participate in the court process. Once a restraining order is entered, you can be charged with a crime if the protected party accuses you of violating the order.

How much does a restraining order cost in the US?

It does not cost anything to file for an order of protection. Many orders of protection cases are handled without a lawyer however it can often be helpful to have one represent you in court.

How do I fight an order of protection in NY?

In order to fight an order of protection, you must go to court with evidence that the order is not warranted. For example, if you can prove that the accuser lied about the incident on which the order is based, then the judge may be inclined to vacate the order.

Do restraining orders cost money Canada?

A peace bond (legally referred to as an “810 recognizance”) is a protection order made under the Criminal Code of Canada and can protect you from anyone, including someone you have only dated. You call the police to ask for one. You do not need a lawyer to request a peace bond, and there is no fee involved.

What happens if you violate an order of protection in NY?

If a Family Court order of protection is violated, the respondent can be arrested by the police and charged with Criminal Contempt as either a misdemeanor or felony. A conviction can lead to jail or even time in a New York State prison.

What type of proof do I need to support a restraining order?

Anyone seeking such an order must be prepared to present some physical evidence in addition to their own written statements and testimony in court. Evidence such as photographs, text messages, police reports or medical records. The court will not entertain a simple exchange of allegations.

Is a restraining order public record in NY?

An Order of Protection issued in Family Court will not show up on a criminal background check, since cases in Family Court are not criminal cases. However, an Order of Protection issued in connection with a criminal case is a public record, and can be discovered in a criminal background check.

How do I drop charges against someone in Canada?

In Canada victims do not get to drop charges against an accused. However, what they say may influence a prosecutor. Prosecutors withdraw charges when they feel that prosecuting is not in the public interest or that there is no reasonable chance of getting a guilty verdict.

What happens if you break a no contact order in Canada?

If you breach (disobey) the conditions of any no contact order, you could be charged with a criminal offence and could go to jail. A no contact order is in place.

How can I get around a no contact order?

If you want to get back together, or even just talk to the other person or see them, you can: ask the court to change the order. The court can drop the "no contact" part of the order but keep the "no abuse" part of the order.

How long does a restraining order last in NY?

A final order of protection may last up to 5 years, depending on the facts of your specific case. Usually the order will be granted for up to 2 years but if the judge determines that one or more “aggravating circumstances” exist, you can request that your order last for up to 5 years.

What happens when you break a restraining order?

If you are reported to the police for breaching your restraining order, the police will usually sign a criminal complaint which means that you are then in contempt of court. You may also be arrested, depending on the type of order in place and the nature of the breach committed.

What are grounds for a restraining order in NY?

Orders of protection are issued by a judge to protect you from another person who is abusing, harassing, threatening, and/or intimidating you, or has committed a crime against you. Orders of protection are commonly issued in cases involving domestic violence, but may also be issued under other circumstances.

What is a restraining order?

Courts have the authority to issue restraining orders (also referred to as orders of protection) that require a person to stop certain behavior, such as contacting or abusing the person who requests the order. Most restraining orders are issued in connection with domestic violence or conflict in intimate or family relationships, ...

What happens if a petitioner asks for a restraining order?

If a person (known in the case as "the petitioner") asks a court to issue a restraining order against you because of alleged domestic violence or other domestic conflict, you are entitled to be notified of the request, to have a court hearing, and to defend yourself. (Temporary orders are an exception; see the explanation below.)

What happens if you violate a temporary restraining order?

If you violate a temporary restraining order, the petitioner can bring that up in the hearing or even file a motion alleging a violation of the order, making it even harder for you to defend against the request for a permanent order. If you and the petitioner have children together, the temporary restraining order may tell you not ...

What is a temporary restraining order?

A temporary restraining order in a domestic violence situation can restrict contact with the petitioner, as well as child visitation. A hearing for a permanent order usually follows soon. It's essential to obey the temporary order and obtain legal counsel

How long does it take to get a permanent order?

These hearings, to which the respondent receives notice, are usually set quickly, so you may have only a week or ten days to make decisions and prepare for the hearing.

Can you be charged with a crime for violating a restraining order?

Once a restraining order is entered, you can be charged with a crime if the protected party accuses you of violating the order. If a permanent order is issued, you will be prohibited from possessing a firearm while the order is in effect, and the order will show up on background checks.

Is a restraining order a serious matter?

Restraining Orders are Serious Matters. If you are the subject of a restraining order, understand that it is a very serious matter that deserves your prompt attention. You do, however, have important rights. If a person (known in the case as "the petitioner") asks a court to issue a restraining order against you because ...

How much does a criminal defense lawyer charge per hour?

Typically, you can expect to pay $150 to $700 an hour for a criminal defense lawyer’s time. With an hourly fee structure, it is not uncommon for legal bills to get into the $10,000 to $15,000 range quickly.

What are the consequences of hiring a criminal lawyer?

These may include jail time, creation of a criminal record, monetary fines, loss of future employment opportunities, or more. Therefore, it is often in your best interests to find and hire an experienced and well qualified criminal defense attorney to assist you with your charges.

What is hourly fee?

Hourly fees are by far the most common type of fee arrangement utilized by criminal defense attorneys. As discussed above, attorneys often feel that flat fee arrangements are not a dependable way of measuring the various factors and costs associated with representing a client facing criminal charges.

Why do attorneys not agree to flat fee?

Further, many attorneys will not agree to a flat fee arrangement, due to the varying nature of the criminal process. An attorney may also have a clause in a flat fee arrangement that allows them to increase the flat fee, should the case proceed to trial.

What does a criminal defense attorney do?

At a minimum, a criminal defense attorney will ensure that the charges brought against you are appropriate, given the facts of the case and advocate on your behalf to receive the lowest possible penalty. The criminal procedure process is a complex matter, and the nuances of the differences of criminal charges are even more complex.

How does income affect criminal defense costs?

There are several factors that can affect the overall costs of a criminal case, including: Defendant’s Income: Your income determines whether you are eligible for a court-appointed attorney, or whether you need to hire your own attorney.

What happens at arraignment?

During the arraignment, you will be asked to enter your plea, and should there be no plea bargain, a preliminary hearing will be held where a judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to charge you with a crime. As can be seen, the entire criminal procedure is often very complex, and, thus, it is often in your best interest ...