HARASSMENT RESTRAINING ORDERS (HRO'S)
Murray Law Firm has been successful in both defending against HRO’s in trial, as well representing those who need protection from harassing conduct.
In short, harassment restraining orders are court orders that state a party must not have contact with another person, and a violation of the order can result in criminal charges and even jail time. The reasons for petitioning for a harassment restraining order are to prevent a person from having contact with you based upon either a single instance of conduct, or a course of conduct that rises to the level where a court order is necessary to prevent future harassing conduct. When a judge grants an order for protection, it can occur without a hearing based upon the seriousness of the harassment, in which the respondent (the person who the petitioner does not want contact) has the right to request a formal hearing to contest the harassment restraining order.
A lawyer is useful in these instances because, for one, it ensures that your case is handled properly and increases the chances of success, whether you are petitioning for the order or responding to the order. Even in drafting the petition, a lawyer will know what to include and to exclude in the petition so the judge does not become confused, or even inundated with too many facts that seem like a party is ‘reaching’ to get an HRO.
Alternatively, hiring an attorney to defend against an HRO is highly recommended because Kyle Murray has successfully defended clients against allegations that they acted in a harassing manner. Having an HRO can restrict employment and education opportunities, and put the respondent in a bad position where certain conduct can result in criminal charges. Kyle Murray understands what portions of HRO’s are negotiable, and seeks to negotiate favorable terms when necessary. Negotiation is important to ensure that a person will not be charged criminally for violating the HRO where a violation was merely incidental, like accidentally seeing one another at the grocery store.