Do we need a lawyer?
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Anonymous
| Kid, age 17, is being issued a restraining order against another kid. We’ve been told by the police officer that there will be a hearing to review whether the restraining order is neceesary and to determine the terms of the order. Should we plan on having a lawyer present at the hearing? |
Anonymous
| Yes |
Anonymous
| No |
Anonymous
|
I'm no legal expert, but I think first you get your kid therapy. I assume there is a reason for this or is it from a relationship with someone unstable? regardless of whether your teen is perpetrator or victim i would get help.
Does this go on a criminal record? If so, yes to lawyer. |
Anonymous
| Was this physical, verbal or sexual violence? Was it someone random, a friend or girlfriend/boyfriend? |
Anonymous
| Not physical or sexual, an acqaintance, but not a friend. |
Anonymous
|
Yes, you definitely need a lawyer. People think it's not a big deal because they agree the kids shouldn't have contact, but it is. If you're in Virginia, it can last up to two years and the other side can file to extend it. Now imagine your kid showing up places where the acquaintance is and then being required to leave every time. Or they have classes together. Or end up at the same college. Or your kid's college application asks about restraining orders.
If you're in Virginia, your attorney can negotiate with the family requesting the protective order to ask if they'd agree with a peace bond instead. Obviously you need to address what's going on with your kid that this happened, but that's a separate issue. |
Anonymous
| Absolutely. We had to go to a hearing for something completely different and we hired a lawyer. Everything went smoothly but we were very glad we had a lawyer with us that day and ahead of time, even to explain what was going to happen. He handled it all ahead of time and the day of it was truly a learning experience for our kid to not get in that situation again. |
Anonymous
| Another vote for getting an attorney |
Anonymous
| Yes! |
Anonymous
Do both kids attend in same high school? What caused the issuance of restraining order? |
Anonymous
What is/was the nature of the relationship between the kids? Is this a romantic relationship? Is your kid accused of bullying or harassment? What? |
Anonymous
| You need an attorney for sure. Without knowing the details, and acknowledging that your child may not be to blame, I would also consider counseling here. |
Anonymous
| Are there any other charges -trespassing, destruction of property, or the like? |
Anonymous
|
Yes, you do need an attorney to represent your son & to protect his rights.
Will be difficult to get admitted to many colleges & universities if the order is issued. |