Domestic Violence Injunctions in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, and the Tampa Bay Area

Representation of Petitioners and Respondents

At Barnett Wolfe Rice, P.A., we have extensive experience dealing with the legal fall-out of domestic violence.  We provide swift protection for Petitioners and a strong defense for Respondents.  When representing our clients on civil injunctions (restraining orders), we are approachable, compassionate, and highly responsive to their individual needs.

Whether you are the injunction Petitioner or Respondent, we are eager to help you with drafting your paperwork, representing you in hearings, and providing any other legal support you may need. 

Addressing Petitioners' Safety Needs

If you have been, or fear that you will soon be, the victim of domestic violence, we know exactly what is needed to invoke and enforce Florida law to protect you.  As your attorneys, we can represent you in obtaining a temporary and/or permanent injunction to protect you, your children, and your assets in the following situations:

Temporary Injunctions/Restraining Orders

To obtain an injunction/restraining order, you must file a Petition that contains a sworn statement of the facts which would justify the Court granting the injunction.  At that time, the Court can grant the temporary injunction, after which a hearing will be held to determine whether to make the injunction permanent.  If the person named as the offender violates the injunction, he or she may be held in criminal contempt or arrested.

An emergency temporary injunction can be sought as soon as possible following your initial contact with us.  We can then pursue a temporary injunction to assure your protection for the short term.  A temporary injunction may be made permanent after a hearing.  We do everything possible to safeguard you, your possessions, and your assets with these orders of protection.

Permanent Injunctions

A permanent injunction can be granted after a hearing where both sides have an opportunity to present their cases to the Court.  If you are—or fear you may become—the victim of domestic violence, contact us at Barnett Wolfe Rice, P.A. to discuss your options.  You don't have to wait to be physically harmed in order to protect yourself. 

Defending Respondents against Accusations

We provide a strong defense for clients who are Respondents to an injunction.  There are times when there is no basis for an injunction or restraining order.  The repercussions of a temporary or permanent injunction can be severe and need to be defended against.  They can lead to loss of reputation, job, liberty, and assets.  Clients placed in this situation need our effective and concerned counsel to help them through this difficult time.

Appeals

In Florida, an appeal is a complex and time-consuming matter, but it may be your LAST CHANCE for getting the outcome you want.

Unlike many other law firms, at Barnett Wolfe Rice, P.A. we have the experience, ability and desire to handle criminal and family (domestic relations) appeals.

If you think you need to appeal your case, CONTACT US immediately.  There are STRICT DEADLINES for filing an appeal, so you must act quickly.

Quality Representation You Can Trust When You Need It the Most

Call (727) 525-0200 or visit our Contact Us page for more information on how we can help you.

Our main office is conveniently located near the downtown St. Petersburg Courthouse, the Criminal Justice Center in Clearwater, and the South County Traffic Court in St. Petersburg. 

There is no fee for an initial consultation on criminal cases and the minimal fee for an initial family law consultation will be applied to your retainer.