Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron
Free Consultation: 631-319-3487
Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron
Highly Effective Criminal Defense, Real Estate And Estate Planning
Attorney Bryan E. Cameron

Order Of Protection Attorney In Suffolk County

Almost any call to law enforcement for domestic violence in Suffolk County or Nassau County will bring about an arrest. With an arrest, the DA in most, if not all, cases will request an order of protection, sometimes referred to as a restraining order. An order of protection can have a drastic impact on your life, keeping you from:

  • Returning to your home
  • Seeing your children
  • Possessing a firearm

Skilled Restraining Order Lawyer Serving Southampton

If you have been arrested for domestic abuse or been placed under an order of protection, we can help. At Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron, in Sayville, we defend clients from criminal charges and orders of protection in Suffolk County and Nassau County and throughout Long Island. Attorney Bryan Cameron has more than 15 years of experience defending clients. Prior to founding our firm, he served as a prosecutor for four years, where he personally handled felony and misdemeanor cases.

For a free initial consultation to discuss your domestic assault charges or order of protection with a Suffolk County lawyer, contact our office online or call us at 631-319-3487 (toll-free at 888-816-9087).

Understanding Orders Of Protection In New York

The majority of orders of protection issued in New York fall into two categories: a “stay away” or “full” order of protection and a “refrain from” order. A refrain from order of protection can limit you from committing certain acts of violence or harassment. You may still be able to live, speak and meet with the other person who is being protected.

A full order of protection or stay away order will mean that you must stay away from the home, business or school of the person being protected. This could keep you from your home and from seeing your family.

Unfortunately, while orders of protection are meant to be a shield for victims, they are often used as a sword, particularly in divorce proceedings and custody battles. Under the common law, you have a right to a hearing to defend against the complainant’s need for protection. We can represent you at the hearing, and we will work to protect your rights throughout the process, pursuing the dismissal of charges, removal of an order of protection or a reduction in penalties whenever possible.

What To Do If You’re Served With An Order Of Protection In New York

If you get served with an order of protection, you need to handle the situation very carefully. Here are the steps to take next:

  • Read the order carefully. The initial order is usually temporary and based solely on the allegations against you, without a formal hearing. Before any permanent order is issued, you have the right to respond to the allegations in court.
  • Understand the terms you must follow. Read the order carefully so that you are fully aware of what restrictions are now on your behavior and movements, and obey them to the letter – even if you think the order is unfair.
  • Get an attorney. The hearing will likely be very soon, and your best odds of overcoming the order are through the services of a skilled attorney, like attorney Bryan Cameron.

Remember that this is a legal court order. You can be convicted of violating an order of protection even if the underlying charges are eventually defeated, which could leave you with a permanent criminal record.

What Not To Do If You Have An Order Of Protection Hanging Over Your Head

While the order of protection you are handed may have unique provisions, here are some basic rules to follow in New York:

  • Do not return to a dwelling you share with the alleged victim to “pick up a few things.” If there is something you absolutely must retrieve, ask your attorney to see what arrangements can be made.
  • Do not contact the alleged victim/petitioner or any witness involved in the case in any way, whether via email, letter, text message or social media. Do not ask a third party to make contact on your behalf. There is no “loophole” you can use.
  • Do not respond to the alleged victim or petitioner if they contact you. The fact that they approached you first does not negate the court’s order.

New York judges do not take orders of protection lightly – so do not endanger your future by trying to work around the situation.

Contact Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron

To schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation, contact us or call us at 631-319-3487 (toll-free at 888-816-9087) to discuss charges for family violence, including child abuse and spousal abuse. Our office is open Monday through Friday during traditional business hours, and evenings and weekends by request. We are available to take your phone call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We accept Visa, MasterCard and other major credit cards.

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