how to get a lawyer in nh for a family member who violated a restraining order

by Genoveva Corkery 7 min read

What is a domestic violence restraining order in New Hampshire?

Under New Hampshire law, a person who is abused by another party may file a protective order against them. These are called protective orders or restraining orders. When the two people involved are family members or intimate partners, it is referred to as a domestic violence restraining order. The purpose of such an order is to keep the other ...

What should I do if someone violates a restraining order?

Stalking Order of Protection. This court order protects a person who has been stalked as defined by RSA 633:3-a .The person who wants protection (“the plaintiff”) files the case against the other party (“the defendant”). There does not need to be a …

Do I need a lawyer for a restraining order?

Apr 01, 2022 · Steps for getting a protective order. Step 1: Get the necessary forms. Step 2: Carefully fill out the forms. Step 3: A judge or marital master will consider your petition. Step 4: Service of process. Step 5: The final hearing. After the hearing.

What is a protective order in New Hampshire law?

They are issued under a New Hampshire law codified at N.H. R.S.A. 173-B. These are also referred to as "restraining orders", or in some other States, "stay-away orders." These begin with the plaintiff's application for an "ex parte" restraining order, which means that the Judge grants the restraining order without notice to the defendant.

What happens if you violate a restraining order in NH?

New Hampshire Protective Order Laws at a Glance The maximum duration of a protective order in New Hampshire is one year, but it may be extended in some circumstances. Violation of a restraining order is charged as Class A misdemeanor, while subsequent violations typically are treated as felonies.

What happens if the petitioner violates a restraining order?

What happens if you breach a restraining order? If the abuser violates any of the terms of the restraining order, the victim should call the police. Once the police have been alerted for violations of the order, they will sign a criminal complaint meaning the abuser is in contempt of court.Jan 29, 2021

What happens if someone violates a restraining order?

If the respondent is found guilty of violating the protection order, a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years, or both, may be imposed. Once the respondent has been arrested for breaching the protection order, the complainant may not decide to withdraw the charges.

How do you beat an order of protection?

To get the order terminated, you need to file a motion. Once you've filed the motion, a hearing is held within a week. During this period, it's critical to avoid violating the restraining order as this could worsen your case in court. Make sure to obey the order until it has been lifted.

What does a non molestation order cover?

A non-molestation order is typically issued to prohibit an abuser from using or threatening physical violence, intimidating, harassing, pestering or communicating with you. An order could prevent the abuser coming within a certain distance of you, your home address or even attending your place of work.

Is breach of restraining order indictable?

Consequences of breaching an order The penalty that may be imposed upon breach of the new section 5A restraining order is identical to that which can be imposed under section 5. On conviction on indictment, the defendant may be subject to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or a fine, or both.

What is a breach of protection order?

If you've obtained a Protection Order and the person who that Protection Order is against doesn't obey one of the conditions of the order, this is a breach of the order and a criminal offence. You should report any breach to the police.

How are no contact orders monitored?

After a no-contact order is issued, it is entered into the law enforcement computer-based criminal intelligence information system. Usually, the no-contact order will remain in the computer system for one year (RCW 10.99. 050). Every police officer has access to this computer system.Mar 4, 2020

How are restraining orders enforced?

How Are Restraining Orders Enforced? An order directed at a domestic abuser or stalker is enforced by the police. Many statutes say that the police “shall” enforce the order, by arresting the violator.Mar 9, 2022

Can you appeal a protection order?

Once a protection order is granted, it is valid until the victim withdraws it. If the perpetrator lodges an appeal, the order will continue to operate until it is cancelled by the appeal court.

Domestic Violence Order of Protection

This court order protects a person who has been abused by a family or household member or by a current or former sexual or intimate partner as defined in RSA 173-B. The person who wants protection (“the plaintiff”) files the case against the other party (“the defendant”).

Stalking Order of Protection

This court order protects a person who has been stalked as defined by RSA 633:3-a .The person who wants protection (“the plaintiff”) files the case against the other party (“the defendant”). There does not need to be a special relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant.

Criminal Bail Orders

After a person has been arrested (“the defendant”) for committing a crime against another person (“the victim”), a judge or bail commissioner may grant the defendant bail.

Civil Restraining Order

A Civil Restraining Order is court order telling someone (“the defendant”) to stay away from or to stop an action that directly affects the person asking for the order (“the plaintiff”). There are no special relationships or specific criminal acts that are needed to ask for a Civil Restraining Order.

Other Types of Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders in Circuit Court

Juvenile Abuse/Neglect Order of Protection Issued Pursuant to RSA 169-C:16, 19

How to file a petition for a child abuser?

You can file a petition in the county/district where you live or where the abuser lives. 1 If you have fled your home to avoid further abuse, you also have the option of filing the petition in the county/district where you are temporarily living. 2 However, if you are trying to keep your address confidential, filing in the county where you have fled to would likely not be a good idea since it would alert the abuser to the fact that you are living in that county.

How to get an emergency ex parte order?

If you are in immediate danger of domestic violence and the court is closed, you may get an emergency order by going to or calling the nearest police department. A police officer can help you fill out the forms and contact a judge by telephone.

What is a temporary ex parte order?

Temporary ex parte protective orders issued in court. When you go to court to file for a protective order, if the judge believes there is an immediate/present danger of abuse, the judge can order a temporary ex parte order to protect you until you have a full hearing on the protective order.

What is a final protective order?

A final protective order can order the following additional protections: grant you the exclusive use and possession of the home and the area immediately surrounding your home (the curtilage) unless all of the following are true: the defendant is the only owner of the home or the only one on the lease; and.

Can a judge have personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state abuser?

When you and the abuser live in different states, the judge may not have “personal jurisdiction” (power) over an out-of-state abuser. This means that the court may not be able to grant an order against him/her. There are a few ways that a court can have personal jurisdiction over an out-of-state abuser:

Can a judge deny visitation?

In order to secure the safety of you and your children, the judge can deny visitation, order that visitation be supervised (or that it only take place only at a supervised visitation center that uses a metal detection device and has trained security personnel on-site), or order a specific visitation schedule.

Can a judge order a batterer to attend counseling?

ordering the abuser to attend a batterer’s intervention program or personal counseling (but the judge can not order joint counseling for you and the abuser).

What happens when a restraining order is served?

When the restraining order is served by the police or sheriff on the defendant, the police confiscate all of the defendant's firearms and ammunition, on the spot. So, an ex parte restraining order temporarily eliminates defendant's right to bear arms , even though there has been no prior notice and no opportunity to be heard.

Why are restraining orders necessary?

Restraining orders and stalking orders are a necessary tool to gain victims the protection of the courts and the police against their abusers.

How long does a court hearing take in New Hampshire?

Because New Hampshire law allows the court to restrain defendant's liberty and confiscate his firearms and ammunition without prior notice and without prior opportunity to be heard, the law implicates substantial due process rights. And, hearings are often scheduled for a date that is weeks out from when petitioner filed her petition. Recognizing this problem, New Hampshire law allows the defendant to demand a five day hearing. A written demand for a five day hearing accelerates the hearing so that it must occur no more than five, and no less than three, days after the written demand is filed with the court.

How to get a stalking order?

However, they are different, in that the petitioner can seek a stalking order against a stranger. The parties do not need to be family members or household members, or current or former intimate partners, for the petitioner to seek a stalking order. Other differences include: 1 The petitioner must show that defendant engaged in a "course of conduct". A restraining order, theoretically, can be granted upon a single act of abuse if that act of abuse implicates a credible threat to petitioner's safety. 2 The course of conduct must show a "continuity of purpose" and must not be based on constitutionally protected activity (such as, e.g., picketing protected by the First Amendment). 3 The course of conduct must either such conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her safety or safety of an immediately family member, or it must be shown that defendant knew his conduct would bring about such fear. 4 The acts that comprise the course of conduct can include a combination of the following:

How long can a restraining order be in effect?

And, if you lose the 5 day hearing, the restraining order remains in effect for an entire year. To make matters worse, the petitioner can file to renew the restraining order for an additional year or even beyond - for up to five years.

What is a petitioner in criminal law?

Petitioner is a family or household member of defendant, or a current or former sexual or intimate partner.

What are the grounds for a domestic violence protective order?

In order to obtain this relief, the petitioner must write a petition (a written statement), and swear under oath to the truth of the facts in the petition, that establishes three elements: The defendant committed or attempted to commit a criminal act (see list below) ...

What Does a Family Law Attorney Do?

A family law attorney generally handles matters that involve the family court system, including family-related issues and domestic relationships. Some of the common practice areas New Hampshire family lawyers handle include:

Do Family Law Attorneys Handle Divorce?

A large part of family law practice involves divorce. Divorce can be a difficult process, especially when the couple is in dispute over how to handle the separation. A contested divorce can get complicated when emotions are involved, often involving money problems or infidelity.

Need an attorney in New Hampshire?

FindLaw's Lawyer Directory is the largest online directory of attorneys. Browse more than one million listings, covering everything from personal injury to bankruptcy to estate planning.

Do You Need a Family Law Attorney?

Some family law issues can be handled without an attorney, including simple court filings like name changes. However, when there are important issues at stake, it may be best to find an experienced lawyer for legal advice. A divorce may involve dividing up a lot of money, property, and assets.

What is a restraining order?

A restraining order, sometimes called an order of protection, is a binding legal order issued by a court. Typically, a restraining order is issued when one party is accused of: 1 Stalking 2 Harassing 3 Endangering 4 Using violence against another party

What are the consequences of violating a restraining order?

Typical Consequences for Restraining Order Violation. A person who violates an order of protection may be facing fines, jail time, or both. Restraining order violation is most often charged as a misdemeanor, though it may become a felony under some circumstances. For instance, if a person is arrested for violating a protection order, ...

What happens if the aggressor does physical abuse?

However, if the aggressor does any harm to you (physical abuse, etc.), report it to the police immediately, and then notify your attorney. The family law attorney will be able to file a motion for contempt of court, meaning the original case that was opened against the aggressor will be readdressed in court.

What happens if a protective order is violated?

This way, if the order is violated in any manner, the victim can immediately show the protective order to the police who respond to the call. For the order to be most effective, the victim needs to strictly enforce it. That means contacting the police any time the order is violated, even if the contact appears benign.

Is sending a text message a violation of the law?

Sending an innocent text message may not seem like a violation, but if “ no contact” is part of your order, it surely is. Regardless of if the person initiating contact is doing so to make amends or to retaliate, it is against the law. How to File a Harrassment Restraining Order.

Is a restraining order a violation of the victim's rights?

If the victim is the one to initiate contact, it is not a violation of the restraining order. It is only a violation if the aggressor is the one to contact the victim.

What to do if someone wrongfully filed a restraining order against you?

If someone has wrongfully filed a restraining order against you, you must seek immediate legal representation. A protective orders attorney will help you present a defense against the false allegations. Contact The Ault Firm today to work with an experienced protective orders attorney.

What happens if someone lies to get a restraining order?

What If Someone Lies To Get A Restraining Order. Restraining orders protect people against abusers. Unfortunately, some people manipulate the system and file them as a form of revenge against an innocent person. If someone has wrongfully filed a restraining order against you, it can tarnish your reputation. Continue reading to find out ...

Why do people seek restraining orders?

Although most people who seek a restraining order want to protect themselves, some of them play victim when there was no crime. For example, a person may want their roommate kicked out of their apartment out of spite, but they might not want to go through the lengthy eviction process.

What is the number 3 order?

Number Three: Exclusion Orders . These orders are also known as “kick-out” or “move-out” orders. It asks the restrained person to move out from where the protected person lives, and asks them to take only clothing and personal belongings until the court hearing.

What are some acts that a restrained person may need to stop?

Some of the acts the restrained person may need to stop are: Contacting, calling, or sending electronic messages, which includes e-mails. Attacking, striking, or battering. Threatening. Stalking. Harassing. Sexually assaulting. Destroying the protected person’s property. Disturbing the peace of the protected person.

Can you go to jail for domestic violence?

In some situations, there was no instance of domestic violence, but the alleged victim may try to use a restraining order to sabotage your life. Although you may not face jail time, there are other repercussions you might face: You won’t be able to go to certain places and do certain activities.

Do restraining orders show up on a person's record?

Contrary to popular belief, these orders don’t show up on a person’s record. However, if the alleged abuser violates it, they may face fines and jail time. Generally, restraining orders include:

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

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 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 accuses you of texting?

If the petitioner accuses you of calling or texting repeatedly, your phone records might show otherwise.

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 a court issue a restraining order?

Courts also can issue restraining orders in civil matters—for instance, prohibiting a person from contacting a non-family member or intimate partner or from going to a certain business or professional office. This article addresses restraining orders and orders of protection in domestic relationships, and focuses on the nature ...

What is a restraining order?

A restraining order may be issued between people who have no family or dating relationships, such as neighbors, or co-workers or for acts that may not be covered in the “domestic abuse” law , such as harassment or some acts of stalking.

How to get an order of protection?

Steps for getting an order of protection. Step 1: Go to the superior court and fill out the forms. Step 2: A judge will review your petition and can issue you a temporary order. Step 3: Service of process.

Can a judge order someone to stay away from you?

If one of these crimes is being committed against you, and criminal charges are pressed against the abuser, a judge may be able to order him/her to stay away from you. You can also visit our Safety Tips page for ways to increase your safety. Orders of protection also do not cover many types of emotional or mental abuse.

Can I file for a restraining order if I don't have a relationship with the other

If you do not qualify for an order of protection due to your relationship to the other person or due to the nature of the acts that were committed against you, you may be able to file for a restraining order.

2 attorney answers

Involuntary commitment is very difficult if your relative has not done something to indicate he is a danger to others or admit that he is a danger to himself. However, since he may be facing incarceration next week, he may be more willing to voluntarily commit himself if he sees it as away of escaping (temporarily) jail or mitigating sentencing.

Philip W. Mason

Involuntary commitment is very difficult if your relative has not done something to indicate he is a danger to others or admit that he is a danger to himself. However, since he may be facing incarceration next week, he may be more willing to voluntarily commit himself if he sees it as away of escaping (temporarily) jail or mitigating sentencing.