Dutchess County 
Restraining Order Lawyer

Dutchess County Family Law Attorneys

Do you feel fearful for your safety due to another person’s stalking, abusive, or threatening acts? Are you a victim of domestic violence? You may be able to seek protection by pursuing a restraining order against the offending party. Legally known as an order of protection, a restraining order is issued by the court to limit the behavior of someone who harms or threatens to harm another person. Orders of protection can be used to address a variety of safety issues, including domestic abuse, family disputes, and harassment from another party. If you are in need of a restraining order, or if you believe someone has wrongfully sought a restraining order against you, the knowledgeable Dutchess County attorneys dedicated to family law at the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC can provide the strong legal support you need.

Why choose our team of world-class advocates? Consider the following:

• 2015 Avvo Clients’ Choice Award recipients
• Overwhelming praise from past clients
• Responsive, one-on-one communication
• Aggressive courtroom presence

What Does a Restraining Order Do?

Restraining orders can be created to protect an individual against a wide range of stalking or harassing behaviors. Harassment is defined as a pattern of more than two instances of unwanted communication or intrusion into another person’s personal or professional life, while stalking occurs when a person is led to fear for their safety or the safety of those closest to them due to unwelcome attention.

An order of protection can prohibit another person from:

• Contacting you or your children by mail or phone
• Abusing or threatening you or your family
• Entering or attempting to enter your home or place of work

Violating a restraining order is a criminal offense and can subject the offending party to possible jail time and expensive fines. An attorney from our firm can advocate on your behalf in court and maximize your chances of being granted an order of protection against your aggressor.

Read our blog, "How To Get a Restraining Order in Dutchess County."

Do Restraining Orders Expire in NY?

If a case is still open, the court may grant a temporary restraining order. A temporary order usually has an expiration date before the case is closed and can be renewed as the case continues. If a judge grants a permanent order of protection, that usually lasts for one year. In some cases, a permanent order can be granted for up to five years.

Can You Get a Restraining Order During a State of Emergency?

The answer to whether you can get a restraining order during a state of emergency is that it depends on whether courthouses are open. In general, restraining orders are considered a necessity and you should be able to get one. For instance, during COVID-19, New York opened virtual courthouses that continued to address essential matters. If you are being abused, a skilled attorney can help you seek protection, even during a state of emergency.

Retain Powerful Legal Guidance Today

At the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC, our Dutchess County family law attorneys are intimately familiar with the process of pursuing a restraining order and are prepared to work tirelessly to provide you with the highest quality service. No matter how complex or sensitive your situation may be, we are willing to stand by your side and do everything within our power to ensure your safety. To find out more about how we can assist you, schedule a case review today.