During domestic violence proceedings, a judge may issue a protective order against the accused. These are meant to prevent future incidents from occurring.
A person contending with a protective order in California may face restrictions on their rights. However, they could also be at risk of consequences that go beyond the legal.
The personal consequences of a protective order
Protective orders in California can severely limit someone’s activities. It may forbid an individual from:
- Contacting a protected party
- Being physically near them
- Going to their home or place of work
- Owning a firearm
However, a protective order can affect more than just an individual’s rights. It can also damage their personal life, including aspects such as:
- Personal relationships: An individual dealing with a protective order may experience tension within personal relationships. Having one can harm their reputation, making it difficult to form new connections.
- Finances: Dealing with a criminal charge and a protective order could incur hefty legal fees.
- Professional life: On top of harming someone’s social reputation, a protective order can affect someone’s career or education. The accused can face difficulties at work or at school, and it may even impact their employment status.
All of these factors combined can cause severe stress and anxiety, making it challenging to navigate the legal process. However, it is possible to improve the outcome of a situation.
It may be helpful to comply with the order
Going against the terms of a protective order could worsen an individual’s legal difficulties. On the other hand, following the order can ease the situation and prevent more issues down the line.
It is important to be aware that compliance is not an admission of guilt. The issuance of a protective order can affect someone’s rights and personal life but with the right guidance, it is possible to navigate a domestic violence case.