Injunction for Protection in Orlando, Orange County, Florida
Being served with an injunction for protection—sometimes called a restraining order—can be upsetting. Whether the injunction is for domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual violence, contact an attorney to explain the best ways to fight false or exaggerated accusations.
An injunction for protection is a court order that restricts your contact with another person. It can require you to stay away from their home, work, or school, and may even force you to leave a shared residence or surrender firearms. Violating the injunction could lead to criminal charges.
When someone files a petition for an injunction in Orange County, the Clerk of Court’s Injunction Processing Unit (IPU) gets involved. The IPU is responsible for receiving and docketing the petition, as well as all related filings. During regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday), the Clerk ensures that the assigned judge has electronic access to the petition within 30 minutes of filing. Petitions presented after 4:00 p.m. are reviewed on the next date.
Once the judge receives the petition, they review it and decide whether to issue a temporary ex parte injunction. The court aims to sign the order before 4:30 p.m. so the Clerk and the Sheriff’s Civil Processing Unit (CPU) have time to process and serve the order.
The Orange County Sheriff’s CPU is responsible for serving the injunction and related documents on you. They also ensure compliance with the order, which may include allowing you to retrieve personal belongings from a shared residence under supervision.
Attorney for Injunctions for Protection in Orlando, FL
If you were served with an injunction for protection against domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking, contact an experienced attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We represent Respondents throughout Orange County, FL.
Contact us for an initial consultation to discuss the most effective legal strategies for contesting a protective injunction in Orlando. We can explain why the court might dismiss the case if insufficient evidence is presented or if those allegations are effectively refused.
We can explain the potential long-term legal implications of having an injunction for protection on my record.
Call 813-250-0500.
Prepare for an Injunction for Protection Hearing in Orange County, FL
This article explains the best way to respond after being served with an an injunction for protection issued in Orange County, FL. After being served, consider the following:
- Read the Injunction Carefully – The injunction is a court order. It will outline specific restrictions, such as prohibiting contact with the petitioner, staying away from particular locations, and surrendering firearms. Violating any part of the injunction can result in criminal charges, even if you believe the order is unfair or based on false information.
- Do Not Contact the Petitioner – Even if you know the allegations are false or exaggerated, do not attempt to contact the person who requested the injunction. This includes direct contact, phone calls, texts, emails, social media messages, or indirect contact through friends or family. Any violation can lead to immediate arrest.
- Comply With All Court Orders – If the injunction requires you to leave your home, surrender firearms, or avoid certain places, do so immediately. Law enforcement may assist with these processes. Non-compliance can result in serious legal consequences.
- Prepare for the Hearing – You have the right to contest the injunction at a court hearing, usually scheduled within a few weeks. This is your opportunity to present your side of the story. Gather any evidence, such as text messages, emails, witness statements, or other documentation that supports your case. Consider organizing your timeline of events and any relevant communications.
- Understand the Consequences – An injunction for protection can cause several problems. It might show up on background checks, impacting employment or housing. It might affect child custody or visitation rights in a family law case. It might prohibit you from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Any alleged violation can result in an arrest for a criminal charge if law enforcement finds probable cause that the violation of the order was willful.
- Protect Your Rights – While the injunction is in place, you must follow its terms. However, you also have rights. You can attend the return hearing and present evidence. You can request modifications if circumstances change. You can seek legal advice to understand your options and build your defense.
- Next Steps – You should seek out the services of an experienced attorney. You can help the attorney understand what occurred by writing out a summary of events explaining your background, the petitioner’s background, prior difficulties, and what occurred for each accusation in the petition. You should also gather any documents that support your side of the case.
This article was last updated on Monday, September 1, 2025.
