Buellton Criminal Defense Attorney - Restraining Orders 

Sanford Horowitz Criminal Defense, P.C.

When it comes to representing his clients in battery, domestic violence, or restraining order cases, Sanford Horowitz’s successful legal defense career speaks for itself. A former Prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Offices in Santa Barbara and San Diego Counties, Sanford Horowitz is a seasoned professional whose experience, expertise, and carefully crafted strategies allow his clients to regain their personal freedom and respect. 

BUELLTON  CRIMINAL DEFENSE AREAS OF PRACTICE

Even if you’re innocent, being charged with a crime such as battery, assault, or domestic violence is a serious situation that can greatly impact your life and damage your reputation. You will need the right Santa Barbara County attorney to fight on your behalf. The key is finding the best legal representation.

Should you find yourself in the position of having restraining order filed against you, it’s absolutely critical to have a highly experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Sanford Horowitz Criminal Defense, P.C. has defended numerous clients throughout Santa Barbara County – including cities in the Santa Ynez Valley such as Buellton – who have been faced with a variety of charges, including assault and battery, domestic violence, probation violations, and restraining order petitions.  

BUELLTON – FIGHTING A RESTRAINING ORDER PETITION

Restraining orders are typically filed against persons thought to be abusive or exhibiting threatening behavior towards a current or former spouse, partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, or family member. Restraining orders are meant to protect individuals from violence or stalking, as they prevent the accused party from contacting the person who filed the restraining order.

If a civil restraining order has been filed against you, it’s possible that someone in a non-familial, platonic relationship with you feels that you have engaged in harassing behavior. This type of restraining order is more common among neighbors and coworkers.

Over the course of his experience defending clients throughout the Santa Ynez Valley, Sanford Horowitz has repeatedly found that restraining order petitions of all types can be riddled with problems. It’s possible that the petition for a domestic violence, civil harassment, or elder abuse restraining order may have been filed with ill intent.

Perhaps the petitioner wanted full ownership of once-shared residence and property, sole custody of any shared children, or he or she purposefully lied to the court to destroy the other party’s reputation in an act of vengeance. For example, a spouse or ex-spouse could use false accusations of domestic violence as leverage to gain the court’s sympathy and the upper hand in family law cases. Sadly, such a false accusation can implicate the defendant for possible future crimes.

If you are facing the possibility of a restraining order, there’s no question that your personal and professional life, reputation, and livelihood could be at stake. Worse still, violating a restraining order could result in hefty fines and even jail time.

The good news is that most courts will call for temporary restraining orders before deciding that the order should be upheld permanently.

Here are a few defenses that Sanford Horowitz recommends that may be used to help your case:

• Proof that the petitioner has made false accusations
• Lack of sufficient evidence of violence/aggressive behavior provided by the so-called victim
• No evidence of harassing, abusive, or otherwise characteristics in defendant

Additionally, the defendant may be able to rely on his or her own spotless criminal record, the alleged victim’s medical records, and witness testimonies.

On the other hand, perhaps you have been charged with violating a restraining order. Those who are issued restraining orders are in violation of the law should they appear at the victim’s residence, workplace, or any place he or she frequently visits. Contacting the petitioner via phone calls, text, email, or social media is also considered violating of the court order.

The consequences of violating a restraining order are not to be taken lightly. You could be arrested, forced to pay a fine, and/or serve a jail sentence. The restraining order may also be amended to stay in effect for an even longer period of time.

EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE FIRM IN BUELLTON – SANFORD HOROWITZ CRIMINAL DEFENSE, P.C.

Don’t wait to contact Sanford Horowitz to ensure that your legal rights are protected.