EPO Attorney in Los Angeles, CA Provides Immediate Assistance with Emergency Protective Orders in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Across Southern California
If you have been served with an emergency protective order (EPO), the next steps you take are critical. A law enforcement officer has petitioned a judge to grant a court order against you, and you must comply with its restrictions immediately. Failing to do so could leave you facing serious criminal charges on top of the consequences of the incident that led to this issue. To make sure you’re in compliance with the order and prepared for the court hearings or criminal proceedings ahead, you need a Los Angeles emergency protective order lawyer you can count on.
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our team of experienced attorneys has a reputation as the top restraining order law firm in Southern California. This background has equipped us with an unparalleled understanding of the processes involved in restraining order cases and how these matters impact criminal cases against our clients.
For help addressing every aspect of the legal issues you’re facing, contact us today. A free consultation with an EPO attorney in Los Angeles, CA, can help you gain a clearer understanding of the full legal matter ahead of you.
Emergency Protective Orders in Los Angeles, CA
An emergency protective order is a specific type of court order that can be granted in California for the protection of an alleged victim. Emergency protective orders are generally approved quickly, without requiring a hearing that provides you the chance to tell your side of the story. However, they only last for a short period of time.
Because of their short-term nature, EPOs may be confused with temporary restraining orders (TROs). While both of these court orders provide only temporary protection and impose temporary restrictions, there are important differences:
- EPOs in California can only be petitioned by law enforcement officers for the purpose of protecting a victim who sought help from officers, while TRO petitions are filed by the person seeking protection
- TROs last until a court hearing is held to determine whether a permanent restraining order will be granted, usually remaining in place for a matter of weeks, while EPOs are only in place for five business days or seven calendar days
Because of the nature of police involvement in EPOs, there’s a strong possibility that you may also be facing criminal charges out of the incident that gave rise to the emergency protective order. You could also get in legal trouble for failing to comply with the restrictions imposed by this short-term court order.
Additionally, the alleged victim could also file a petition for a restraining order. A temporary restraining order could result in you being subjected to further restrictions for a matter of weeks—and, if the alleged victim’s request for a final restraining order is granted, potentially for years.
This already stressful situation could continue to grow more complicated. Given the severe consequences you could face if you make any mistakes dealing with this issue—potentially including long-term restrictions on your activities and criminal charges—you need the benefit of professional experience. Bringing on a knowledgeable Los Angeles emergency protective order lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney allows you to handle this matter confidently and begin working toward the most favorable outcome possible.
What to Do When You’ve Been Served With an Emergency Protective Order
If you have been served with an emergency protective order in Southern California, there’s a lot to think about—from what steps you need to take right away to protect yourself legally to the potential further developments you could be facing.
Understand and Comply
An EPO goes into effect immediately, and you need to ensure you’re in compliance with its restrictions as soon as you receive notice of the court order. Depending on the specifics of the order, you could be restricted from:
- Engaging in any conduct that could constitute harassment, threats, stalking, or harm to the protected person
- Contacting the protected person through any means and for any reason
- Being within a specified distance of the protected person, their home, their school, their workplace, their vehicle, or other locations they regularly visit
- Continuing to live in a shared home with the protected person
- Possessing firearms, ammunition, or body armor, potentially requiring you to sell or store weapons in your possession within 24 hours
Even an unintentional violation of the court order’s restrictions that doesn’t cause harm to the alleged victim or anyone else can result in criminal charges and serious consequences. To ensure you understand exactly what restrictions are imposed by the EPO and how to comply with its conditions, consult a Los Angeles emergency protective order lawyer as soon as possible.
Anticipate the Possibility of the Alleged Victim Petitioning for a Restraining Order
An emergency protective order may take effect for only a matter of days, but it can also be a precursor to longer-lasting restrictions. The person protected by the EPO can choose to petition for a restraining order against you, in which case:
- The judge may grant a temporary restraining order against you, if the petitioner requests it and the judge finds that the request is reasonable and necessary.
- You will receive notice of a restraining order hearing, during which you have the opportunity to provide arguments and evidence. The judge will decide, based on the information presented in this hearing, whether to grant a permanent restraining order against you.
Although emergency protective orders don’t involve a court hearing, any restraining order the alleged victim may petition for will. You need to be prepared to present the strongest possible case in your favor during this hearing to convince the judge not to grant the restraining order or to impose less restrictive conditions. Long-term restraining orders can last up to five years in California, so it’s important to begin preparing your case for a hearing as soon as possible if someone petitions for a restraining order against you.
Prepare to Defend Against Potential Criminal Charges
Being served with an emergency protective order does not, in and of itself, carry the potential for criminal consequences—but if you are served with notice of an EPO, you should be prepared for the potential of facing criminal charges.
A protective order is a civil legal matter, not a criminal one. If you strictly ensure compliance during the time the order is in place to avoid violating the EPO, you won’t be charged with a crime as a result of the emergency protective order. However, because these court orders can only be issued at the request of a law enforcement officer, it’s not uncommon for the incident that involved police in the first place to also lead to criminal charges.
If that happens, it’s important to take seriously not only the criminal case but also any civil protective or restraining orders placed or petitioned against you. Statements and evidence used in a restraining order hearing may also be used as evidence in a criminal trial that pertains to the alleged abuse, stalking, threats, or violence against the protected person.
Having an EPO attorney in Los Angeles, CA, with experience developing effective criminal defense strategies can help you confront the full legal challenges you’re facing.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help
The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney provide skilled, personalized legal guidance and representation for all of the challenges you could be facing when served with an EPO.
From advising you on how to comply with the order to building your case for a court hearing and crafting a strong defense for any criminal charges, we’re ready to address all of your legal needs as your EPO attorney in Los Angeles, CA. For every question that crosses your mind and every legal challenge that arises, we’re here to protect your interests, your legal rights, and your future with unwavering advocacy.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney?
With The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as your Los Angeles emergency protective order lawyer, you’ll benefit from our extensive experience handling these complicated legal issues and all the concerns that can accompany an EPO. We put legal guidance you can trust within reach when you need it most.
Unmatched Experience in Restraining Order Matters
Our firm is at the forefront of handling restraining order cases in Southern California. Our extensive experience in assisting clients with these matters has equipped us with in-depth knowledge of every aspect of restraining order processes.
Comprehensive Help for Restraining Order and Criminal Defense Issues
For the serious legal trouble you could be facing, you need a Los Angeles emergency protective order lawyer with a proven track record of fighting criminal charges effectively. From interpreting the restrictions posed by EPOs and advising you on compliance to preparing for court hearings and criminal cases arising out of the incident, we’re committed to advocating for every client’s best interests.
Accessible, Client-Centered Legal Service
You realize that you would benefit from having an experienced attorney guide you through this situation, but getting the help you need can seem out of reach. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we work to remove the obstacles by providing free consultations and offering 24/7 availability to address urgent issues like EPOs. Our client-centered approach provides peace of mind through compassionate guidance and clear, responsive communication.
Contact a Los Angeles Emergency Protective Order Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Today for a Free Consultation
The emergency protective order you’ve been served with could be just the start of the legal troubles ahead, especially if you’re not sure how to comply with restrictions or prepare proactively for further civil or criminal matters.
For help from an EPO attorney in Los Angeles, CA, contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney online or call 818-330-5198 today.
