DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYER FARMINGTON

Under Utah state law, domestic violence occurs in any instance in which an individual harms (or threatens to harm) a cohabitant, with “cohabitant” here defined as a spouse (current or former), roommate, person with whom the perpetrator is intimately involved, sibling/in-law and person with whom the offender shares custody of a child or children.

Additionally, Utah state law considers any violent offense, including harassment, stalking, violating a restraining order, and/or assault to be domestic violence if committed by one cohabitant against another.

BEING ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FARMINGTON

Perhaps not surprisingly, if a law enforcement official determines that there is reasonable cause to believe domestic violence has occurred in Farmington, he or she must issue an arrest, even in the absence of a warrant. Retain a domestic violence attorney if you need to. If there is cause for the law enforcement officers to believe that the victim will continue to be in danger, or if the offender has recently caused serious injury or employed a firearm, the officer must issue an arrest and take the defendant into custody. Should you find yourself arrested for domestic violence in Farmington, you will not be released before the next court date (at a minimum), and you will be barred from contacting the victim for any reason.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Protective Orders in Farmington

In Farmington, a protective order (i.e. restraining order) is a court order requiring one person (i.e. the defendant) to avoid contact and stay away from another person (i.e. the victim). Keep in mind that it is against the law in Farmington, Utah, to violate a protective order. Additionally, Utah allows for its judges to issue pre-trial protective orders, in effect prohibiting the defendant from committing and/or threatening violent acts against the victim, as well as banning any communication between the two parties. Pre-trial protective orders remain in effect until the date of the trial. If you have questions, your domestic violence attorney in Farmington will help outline for you what needs to be done.

Farmington Ex Parte Orders

Even in the absence of charges, any cohabitant who has been the victim (or is in danger) of domestic violence or abuse in Farmington may also file a petition for an ex parte order. Your domestic violence attorney will guide you through the process. These orders are made without notice to the defendant and without the defendant first appearing before a judge. In theory, ex parte orders prohibit the offender from engaging in violent acts against the victim. They also ban any and all contact between the two parties and prohibit the defendant from showing up at the victim’s residence, school, or place of employment. During an outstanding ex parte order, the offender is also barred from owning a weapon, operating a vehicle, and sharing custody of his or her children.

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Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child

In Farmington, domestic violence in the presence of a child (or children) carries even stiffer penalties, with Utah state law allowing for an individual to be charged with separate counts for each child present. Based on our experience with previous clients, this statute does not clearly define its own parameters, meaning that something as simple as being within earshot of the violence can, legally speaking, be considered domestic violence in the “presence of the child.”

Jardine Law Offices P.C. knows what it takes to help you and your family secure the future you deserve. For a domestic violence attorney in Farmington with a stellar track record, Call (801) 396-9993 today to schedule your free consultation.