What Happens During a Domestic Violence Injunction Hearing in Florida?
If you are approaching an injunction hearing in Florida, this may seem like a daunting prospect. You might never have seen the inside of a courtroom, and you might have no idea what to expect. A typical injunction hearing is a high-stakes endeavor, and its outcome may affect your rights, your reputation, and your ability to live a normal life. By familiarizing yourself with the hearing process, you can approach it with a greater degree of confidence and efficiency.
The Purpose of Injunction Hearings in Florida
During these hearings, judges will decide whether or not to issue a final injunction. As the name suggests, these injunctions last much longer than temporary injunctions. They may have no expiry date whatsoever – making them permanent for all intents and purposes. However, the average expiry date for final injunctions is two years.
What Will the Judge Consider During My Injunction Hearing?
In order to determine whether a final injunction should be ordered, the judge presiding over your hearing may consider a number of factors:
- Witnesses
- Pictures
- Phone records
- Text messages
- Medical records
- Copies of previous court documents
Judges will also listen to your own explanation of the situation, as well as statements provided by your defense attorney. You can decide whether or not you would like to testify. Either way, your attorney can explain why the injunction should not be ordered in an efficient, convincing manner.
What Should I Expect from my Injunction Hearing?
A hearing is not quite the same as a trial, although there are many similarities. Perhaps most notably, only the judge will have decision-making authority – not a jury of your peers. The petitioner (the person seeking the injunction) will present their evidence and their version of the events first. You will then have a chance to respond with your own evidence, witnesses, and statements. Finally, each party will have the opportunity to deliver closing statements – usually articulated by their respective attorneys.
Important Guidelines for Injunction Hearings
There are a number of important guidelines that you will need to keep in mind as you approach your injunction hearing. These include:
- Arrive on time
- Dress formally
- Turn off your cell phones
- No children are allowed
- Refer to the judge as “your honor”
- Do not interrupt the proceedings in any way
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, look no further than Haber Blank, LLP. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants throughout the Sunshine State – and we know how daunting injunction hearings can be. With a defense attorney at your side, these hearings are much easier to approach. More importantly, attorneys can represent you during these hearings as you strive for optimal results. Book your consultation today to begin preparing for your injunction hearing.
Sources:
jud12.flcourts.org/About/Divisions/Family/Domestic-Violence/Injunctions-for-Protection#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20the%20hearing,witnesses%2C%20and%20review%20the%20evidence.
putnamclerk.com/wp-content/uploads/PREPPING-FOR-INJUNCTION-HEARINGS-101-AND-WHAT-TO-EXPECT.pdf
