What to Look for in a Portage Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Getting served with an order of protection isn’t the easiest pill to swallow. It often happens without warning and can leave you feeling confused, angry, or blindsided. One minute you are going about your day, and the next you are being told you must stay away from someone, your home, or even your children. It can be hard to put your emotions aside, but if this has happened to you, it is important to slow down and understand what an order of protection actually means and what steps you should take next. How you respond early on can make a real difference in how the situation unfolds. Your first move should be to consult our Indiana criminal defense lawyers at Dogan & Dogan. We can advise on what to do and not do. What is an Order of Protection? In Indiana, an order of protection is a civil court order meant to prevent alleged acts of domestic or family violence, stalking, or harassment. How does it work? A judge can issue a temporary order based only on the petitioner’s statements. The petitioner is the person claiming that you are a threat to them. The judge doesn’t even hear your side of the story before issuing a temporary order. That surprises a lot of people. Someone is Claiming You Were Violent. Are Criminal Charges on the Table? Being served does not mean you have been found guilty of anything. It also does not automatically mean criminal charges are coming your way, but it does mean the court expects you to follow the order to the T. Temporary orders often include restrictions such as staying away from the person, having no contact of any kind, leaving a shared residence, or surrendering firearms. Even if the claims feel exaggerated or completely false, ignoring the order is not an option. This is difficult when you’ve done nothing wrong. Violating an order of protection can quickly turn a civil matter into a criminal one. That is why understanding the order and complying with it is critical, even if you plan to challenge it. It's important to reach out to our attorneys as soon as possible to ensure you're doing everything correctly. Read Your Order Carefully and Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney Some people get caught up in the heat of the moment and don’t look closely at the order. Maybe the first thing you’ve done is Google what to do when you’ve been served with a protection order in Indiana. You need to read the entire order from beginning to end. Every detail matters. Pay attention to distance requirements, contact restrictions, and hearing deadlines. Some orders allow limited contact for specific reasons, such as coordinating child exchanges. Others prohibit all contact, including phone calls, texts, emails, and messages through third parties. If the order says you must move out of your home, do not return unless the court changes the order. If it says you cannot go to certain locations, avoid them completely. Even accidental contact can be seen as a violation. Assuming something is allowed or misinterpreting something in the order can get you into serious trouble. Consulting one of our criminal defense lawyers for advice has to be a top priority. This can feel unfair, especially when the order was issued without your input. Still, compliance protects you while you work through the legal process. Know Your Right to a Hearing Temporary orders of protection are just that, temporary. In Indiana, you have the right to request a hearing and tell the judge your side of the story. The order you were served with should include information about when that hearing will take place or how to request one. Our defense attorneys set up hearings on behalf of our clients all the time. We will do the same for you. What Happens at a Protective Order Hearing in Indiana? At the hearing, both sides can present evidence, testimony, and witnesses. This is our job; you don’t have to worry about doing this on your own. The judge will then decide whether to dismiss the order, modify it, or turn it into a longer-term protective order. This is not a casual conversation with a judge. The outcome can affect your living situation, your parental rights, your reputation, and even your future employment. Showing up prepared with the right defense attorney matters. Waiting too long or failing to appear can result in the order being extended by default. Taking the hearing seriously by hiring a criminal defense lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take. Avoid Common Mistakes After Being Served We know you’re upset. People often make the situation worse by reacting emotionally instead of carefully. Anger, panic, or a desire to “set the record straight” can lead to bad decisions. One of the biggest mistakes is trying to contact the person who requested the order. Even an apology or attempt to explain can violate the order. Another mistake is posting about the situation on social media. Those posts can be used against you in court. Thinking that the order will just go away is also a bad call. Protective orders do not disappear on their own. They require court action, and until that happens, they must be followed. Finally, do not rely on advice from friends or family. Even if they’ve gone through the protective order process, they aren’t lawyers. They don’t know Indiana law the way we do. Having our defense attorneys representing you is your best shot at a positive outcome. Taking the Next Step With the Right Indiana Criminal Defense Lawyer Being served with an order of protection is stressful, but it does not define you or determine the final outcome. What matters most is how you respond. Following the order, understanding your rights, and preparing for what comes next can put you in a much better spot. Acting quickly, with the help of an attorney, can prevent the situation from spiraling into something far more serious. At Dogan & Dogan, our criminal defense attorneys know how to fight orders of protection. Someone has made serious allegations against you, and you don't have to take it lying down. We'll fight for you. Have you been served with an order of protection? Contact us today, and let's talk about your case.

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