Clarksville Violation of an Order of Protection Attorney

Tennessee Laws on Orders of Protection

If you are interested in obtaining an order of protection or accused of violating one, our legal team at Jeff Grimes & Associates, PLLC can ensure you get the protection you need during this trying time. We provide effective and personalized legal solutions for individuals seeking orders of protection and those being subject to such orders or accused of violating orders. Get over 40 years of collective legal experience on your side immediately.

To discuss your case with our legal team, call (931) 398-5308 today.

What is an Order of Protection?

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, threats of abuse, or stalking in Tennessee, you can obtain an order of protection. This is a court order signed by a judge, allowing the police to arrest the abuser without first obtaining a warrant. Whether you need to get an order of protection issued or content an order, you need a skilled family law attorney to help you.

A person can get an order of protection if he/she is physically harmed or threatened by a current or former spouse, the other parent of his/her child, relative, current or former roommate, stalker, or someone who committed a sex crime against that person. The order directs the alleged offender to refrain from communicating with, stay away from, and commit a crime against the victim and his/her family.

Types of Orders of Protection

There are two types of orders of protection in Tennessee: an ex parte order of protection and a temporary order of protection.

• An ex parte order provides immediate relief if the victim can show good cause (e.g. injuries, threats, and the alleged offender's criminal history, violent history, substance abuse history, etc.) and lasts for up to 15 days,
• while a temporary order of protection is an extended protection order lasts up to one year.

For temporary order of protection, both parties will have an opportunity to tell their sides of the story in a court hearing. The one-year order can be extended depending on the circumstances of the case, which means a new court hearing will be held annually.

What are the Penalties for Violating an Order of Protection?

If an offender violates an order, a call to law enforcement will automatically lead to arrest. Violating the conditions of an order of protection is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a jail term of up to 11 months and 29 days and a maximum fine of $2,500.

However, if an offender violates a temporary order, the order can be extended for a maximum five years. For a second violation, the temporary order can be extended for up to ten years.

Ready to Protect Your Rights & Future

Our firm is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to help our clients. We have an exceptional track record of successful results in both criminal defense and family law matters. Let us provide experienced and knowledgeable legal help immediately.

Contact us today to learn about your legal options.