Charleston Domestic Violence Lawyers
Domestic violence is attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing physical harm to another with or without dangerous or deadly weapons; placing another in reasonable apprehension of physical harm; creating fear of physical harm by harassment, psychological abuse or threatening acts; committing either sexual assault or sexual abuse; or holding, confining, detaining or abducting another person against that person’s will.
Going to the county magistrate court and being granted a domestic violence order is the beginning of the process. The magistrate court only hears one side of the story at that time, and an order is generally generously granted. The second step is a hearing in front of a family court judge, usually within 10 days. It is advisable to have an attorney with you for this hearing. Having a domestic violence Order unfairly granted against you could thwart many of your rights. On the other hand, having one unfairly denied could put one in imminent danger. At Susie Hill, Attorney at Law, PLLC, we know the mandatory relief granted, as well as knowing when to ask for other permissive relief. We also know beneficial strategies that could be implemented as early as before the family court hearing.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, do not hesitate to utilize this procedure for immediate protection. Unfortunately, many utilize this process to attempt to harass their partner, or to gain a strategic upper hand on the other. The Courts generally see through this, and these attempts often backfire.
