Restraining/Protective Orders Attorneys in Bakersfield, California

According to statistics from the Crime in California Report, there were 164,608 total domestic violence-related calls for assistance statewide in 2021. In the state of California, a domestic violence restraining order may be issued against someone for physically or sexually abusing, threatening, harassing, or stalking a family, household member, or intimate partner. Unfortunately, a protective order may go down on your record or result in devastating, immediate, and long-lasting consequences. 

If you are trying to oppose a restraining order that was filed against you, you need to retain a knowledgeable California criminal defense attorney for detailed guidance. Our reliable attorneys at Underwood Law Firm have the experience and diligence to guide and represent clients in their restraining order cases. As your legal counsel, we can enlighten you about the implications of a protective order and help strategize an effective defense to fight your charges. 

Underwood Law Firm proudly represents clients across Bakersfield, California, and surrounding areas throughout Lamont and Kern County.

Understanding Restraining Orders 

According to California law, a restraining order can be described as a court order that may be issued to protect an individual from being harassed, stalked, threatened, or sexually or physically abused. In the state of California, a restraining order may also be referred to as a “protective order.” The different types of restraining orders available in California include: 

• Domestic Violence Restraining Order 

• Civil Harassment Restraining Order 

• Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Order 

• Workplace Violence Restraining Order 

Depending on the surrounding circumstances of the offense or unlawful act, a California protective order may remain in effect for up to five years. 

What a Restraining Order Can Do 

A restraining order can order the restrained person to: 

• Stop harassing, threatening, stalking, or abusing the victim. 

• Stay away from the protected person, their relatives, children, or household members. 

• Stay away from the protected person’s home, children’s schools, work, and pets. 

• Move out of their home or the protected person’s apartment. 

• Release or return certain property. 

• Adhere to child custody and visitation orders. 

• Pay spousal support, child support, and other bills. 

If a domestic violence restraining order has been filed against you, you need to reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. Your attorney can enlighten you about the impact of a protective order and outline an effective strategy to fight your charges. 

A Restraining Order’s Impact  

Unfortunately, a protective order can have far-reaching, immediate, and life-long implications on your future and every aspect of your life. For instance, a restraining order can: 

• Go on your criminal record 

• Go on public record 

• Cause you to be denied housing and job opportunities 

• Make it difficult for you to obtain government assistance 

• Affect your immigration status 

• Prevent you from being able to carry or possess a gun or firearm 

• Prevent you from being able to join the military 

• Prevent you from visiting certain places or doing certain things  

An experienced California restraining orders defense lawyer can review the surrounding facts of your case and determine the best course of action to avoid or mitigate the devastating effects of a protective order. 

What to Do If a Restraining Order Has Been Filed Against You  

If a restraining order has been filed against you, you should take the following steps: 

• Obey all the provisions of the protective order to the letter.  

• Retain a highly-skilled restraining order defense lawyer to help prepare for the hearing and strategize the best defenses to fight your charges. 

• Gather substantial evidence and facts for your defense. 

• Get witnesses' statements and testimonies to help with your defense. 

• Attend the court hearing. 

However, trying to defend yourself against a false protective order can be very difficult and complicated. Hence, it is imperative that you act quickly and hire a knowledgeable attorney to advocate for your best interests and help you fight the restraining order allegations. 

Work With a Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney 

Having a restraining order on your criminal record can be extremely serious. Depending on your alleged offense, a restraining order can jeopardize your personal reputation and cause you to be denied public benefits, housing, education, and employment opportunities. Therefore, retaining a trusted criminal defense attorney is paramount for detailed guidance and to determine the best way to fight your charges. 

At Underwood Law Firm, our attorneys have devoted their careers to offering experienced legal services and helping individuals oppose restraining orders that were filed against them unfairly. Our trusted team can evaluate every aspect of your unique situation, explore your possible legal defenses, and dispute the domestic violence allegations against you with factual evidence. Above all, we will represent you diligently in every phase of the legal process and attempt to oppose or ultimately get the unjust protective order lifted.