Whether you are involved in an abusive or dangerous relationship, or you have been charged with domestic abuse or stalking, Indiana domestic violence lawyer Tony Zirkle can advise you of your rights and help you protect your interests. With four locations around the state, the Law Offices of Tony Zirkle also is familiar with the different charging policies and treatment programs that are essential to know in any given county. Contact us in Indianapolis, South Bend, Fort Wayne, or Crown Point for reliable advice and effective representation.
As a criminal offense, domestic violence usually is charged as a misdemeanor, with a presumption of supervised release on a first offense. Cases that involve serious injury or repeat offenses will usually expose the defendant to harsher penalties. In a family law situation, however, domestic violence is often alleged by one of the parties to the marriage against the other on an ex parte basis--that means that the person accused of domestic violence is not notified of the charges until the court issues a protective order.
A protective order can cover behavior other than domestic violence or assaultive behavior. Stalking, harassment, intimidation, or other unwanted contact can also be restrained by the court with further incidents punished as a violation of a domestic violence protective order.
The person bound by the domestic violence protective order can bring the case on for a full hearing within 30 days of the initial application. The court will sometimes modify the terms of the protective order, or withdraw it altogether, depending on the facts that are shown at the hearing.
At the Law Offices of Tony Zirkle, we can review and evaluate the circumstances of your case to make sure that your side of the story is presented as fully and persuasively as possible. Otherwise, your interests as a parent could be jeopardized. For further information about your rights in a domestic violence situation or the effect of a protective order either in your favor or against you, contact Indiana family law attorney Tony Zirkle at any of our four offices around the state.
