If you have been served with a domestic violence injunction or repeat violence injunction in Tampa, Florida or elsewhere, then you likely have some questions. Specifically, you need to know 1. What is an Injunction, really, 2.There is a hearing; Do I need to go? and 3. Should I retain Tampa, Florida Injunction Attorney or Tampa Restraining Order Attorney to represent me in court?

WHAT IS AN INJUNCTION, REALLY?

Simply put, and injunction is a court order that either restrains you from committing a certain action or compels you to do a certain action. An injunction for protection violence in Florida is no different than a restraining order. At its core, a Tampa, FL Domestic Violence Injunction or a Tampa Repeat Violence Injunction is a court order inhibiting your movement in that you cannot have contact with the Petitioner. Sometimes, the injunction will also prohibit you from going near the petitioner’s place of work, home, or even their automobile.
The court in Hillsborough County, Florida, also has the power to require you to take anger management classes or domestic violence classes if it chooses to do so. These classes are not cheap, and can quickly add up in cost if the court orders you to take the full amount of 26 domestic violence classes.

DO I NEED A TAMPA, FLORIDA INJUNCTION ATTORNEY?

Go to the hearing, and the courtroom rules are in effect, just like on TV. The rules of evidence, discovery, and of civil procedure apply. Knowing that the courtroom rules are in effect, a respondent should at least consult with a Tampa, Florida injunction attorney to discuss the case and the possibility or retaining the Tampa Lawyer. The Attorney may be able to help keep you from having an injunction put in place. Consider that an injunction could possibly:

1. Limit where you are allowed to go
2. Lead top criminal charges punishable by one year in the county jail if you violate the injunction
3. Hurt you standing in a pending child custody case or other family law matter
4. Cost you time and money in classes and fees

Remember, if you are served with a domestic injunction, do not violate the terms and conditions. Then you are facing criminal prosecution, and could go to jail. To contest the injunction, you must show up at the hearing, or else the court will grant the injunction.