I need an attorney. Atlanta, Georiga. Since 2019. 2nd offense for a TPO filed against me. I have an upcoming hearing

My name is ***** ***** I've been an attorney for 20 years.

I look forward to assisting you.

Greetings!

Good!   Thank you for asking.   Are you asking how to prepare for your upcoming Hearing?

I understand...   Importantly, as GA regulations explain, the petitioner must provide "proof of relationship to the respondent and proof of violence, such as assault, stalking, or threats.  

During the full hearing, the judge will hear your case and any witness testimony, review the evidence, and make a decision. The respondent is notified by the local sheriff’s department of and is expected to attend this hearing. The judge will either dismiss the petition due to insufficient evidence or grant a temporary protective order."

You will have the right to present evidence to refute the petitioner's allegations.   I recommend you visit https://www.avvo.com/ to find dozens of qualified Criminal Law attorneys in your area.

Do you have any additional questions for me? 

Highly unlikely -- but you will be issued a stay away order.  Temporary protective orders usually expire after 6 to 12 months. The petitioner must petition the Superior Court if he/she wants the order to be extended or to be converted to a permanent order.  Is there anything else I can clear up for you?

Have you violated the TPO by contacting the alleged victim?

Generally speaking, a defendant must violate an existing Order before facing criminal charges.  As WL explains:

"If the abuser violates the order, s/he can be arrested. You can call law enforcement and report that you have a family violence protective order and that the abuser has violated the order.

For a non-violent violation of certain terms of a family violence protective order, the abuser can be convicted of a misdemeanor crime of violating a family violence order.1 It can also be possible to be convicted of the felony offense of aggravated stalking if the abuser follows you, places you under surveillance, or contacts you without your consent for the purpose of harassing and intimidating you."

Is there anything else I can clear up for you?

Thanks for the kind offer but I'm unavailable.  Please visit www.avvo.com to find dozens of attorneys in your area.

I hope I've been able to assist you!

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Pleasure!