What NOT to do When Arrested in the District of Columbia
Most people don’t get up in the morning expecting to be arrested that day. But if you are arrested, it’s important that you don’t compound the problem and make an already stressful situation even worse. Regardless of whether there’s a legitimate reason for the arrest, it’s a mistake, or you’re just at the wrong place […]
Do I Need a DC Criminal Defense Attorney?
The police come to your home or your place of business. They say that they need to speak with you, or maybe casually ask if they can “take a look around.” They’re friendly, non-threatening, and tell you they have a few questions and just want your help clearing up a few things. They may even […]
How do I File a Civil Protection Order in DC?
In the District of Columbia, the process for getting a restraining order (or as how it’s called here, a Civil Protection Order or “CPO”), can be difficult without having an experienced attorney to help guide you through the process. However, the court does have resources available for filing CPOs without an attorney. And we’ve put […]
Washington D.C. Civil Protective Orders
In the District of Columbia, a civil protection order (“CPO”) requires that the person who is subject to the order (the respondent) stay away from the petitioner – the person requesting protection. A protection order is issued by the court and directs the respondent to refrain from abusing, harassing, threatening, committing a crime, or having […]
Round 2: Fighting a Civil Protection Order Extension
A year ago, you were brought to court by an ex spouse or significant other, or perhaps a family member. Maybe you consented to the entry of a Civil Protection Order (CPO), or maybe the judge entered an order after a hearing. One year has almost passed, and you’ve done everything the order required. You […]
You Can’t Go Home Again: Washington, D.C. Civil Protection Order (CPO) May Bar You from Your Own Dwelling
Civil Protection Orders (CPO) can cause the recipient many headaches, but perhaps nothing hits closer to home than being banned from your own house or apartment. While this is a common condition of a CPO issued in Washington, D.C. or Virginia, it is most commonly seen in cases where the petitioner and respondent are actually […]
Shield or Sword: Civil Protection Orders in the District of Columbia
If a judge finds that there is “good cause,” to believe that a person (the respondent) has committed or threatened to commit a crime against another (the petitioner), a judge may issue a Civil Protection Order against that person. D.C. Code 16-1005(c) Most often issued in the context of a domestic violence situation, a Protection Order […]