Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence Charges

At The Law Firm of Christopher T. Adams, P.C., our office assists people on both sides of domestic violence accusations. We assist those facing criminal charges by providing a defense in court, and we assist victims of domestic violence in obtaining protective orders against an abuser. After 25 years of practice, our lead attorney, Christopher T. Adams, has answered many clients’ questions on this topic, including:

How do protective orders work?

There are two ways to obtain a protective order. A protective order is issued when the police arrest the accused during the act of violence or when the victim appears before a magistrate to request a temporary protective order. Within 10 days, the court will hold a full hearing on issuing a permanent protective order, which may last from six months to one year. The order states that the accused must not have any contact with the victim, either verbally or physically.

Will these charges affect my family law case?

They may affect divorce proceedings, especially if you are engaged in a custody dispute. A protective order could also complicate visitation rights.

Can I still own a gun if I’m accused of domestic violence?

Although Georgia state law does not necessarily prohibit you from owning a gun when you are charged with a misdemeanor domestic violence offense or have a protective order against you, federal law may prohibit you from owning or purchasing a firearm.

How will accusations affect my lease?

A domestic violence charge on your criminal record could make it more difficult to find housing. Many landlords do not want the risk of violent behavior on their property. If the altercation you are being accused of happened at your current residence, your landlord may try to use it as grounds for eviction. If you share a house with the accuser, the court could force you to leave.

What happens if my abuser violates the protective order?

That depends on the seriousness of the violation. It may be a misdemeanor or a felony charge and can include jail time and a fine. If your abuser contacts or harasses you in violation of the order, call 911 immediately.

Still Have Questions? Call Us.

Attorney Adams has decades of experience working with clients in Lawrenceville and the north Atlanta metro area. Let him answer your questions about domestic violence charges. Call 770-676-1083 or fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation.