If you are named in a Protection Order, the consequences could be very serious. It will affect the contact you have with your partner and your children, if you have any. It may mean you have to move out of the house.
If you have been told that someone has applied for a Protection Order against you, or if you have been served with a temporary Protection Order, you have the right to defend the application.
Most importantly, you must adhere to the conditions of the Protection Order. If you have a firearms licence, it will be suspended. If the order is made final without modification, your firearms licence will be revoked. You will probably also be required to attend a live without violence programme. The temporary order will have an end date on it – it usually lasts for 3 months. You can ask to tell your side to the judge before the end date. If you don’t go to court, the Protection Order automatically becomes final and it will last until you or the person who applied ask the court to change it.
Whether you accept responsibility for the family violence or you disagree with the allegations, it's important you clearly understand what a Protection Order means, and what could happen as a result. Our team of experienced lawyers can help you understand the order or application and its consequences. Together, we can work out what the next steps should be.
If you need help with the legalities around domestic violence accusations, contact The Law Shop - 0800 LAW SHOP - team@thelawshop.co.nz. We are based in Rotorua but regularly work in Tokoroa, Matamata and Morrinsvile and we offer non-judgmental, professional legal advice. Legal aid to pay for our services may be available depending on your circumstances.