When you petition an Oklahoma City court for a protective order, evidence is necessary to prove your case. You must show the court the abuse suffered by you or your loved one.
Oklahoma City Protective Order Basics
Typically, a protective order is issued against a family member or someone in your household. Relatives and household members include anyone related to you by blood or marriage, anyone who currently lives with you, and anyone who once lived with you.
So, what constitutes evidence to convince a court to issue a protective order? If you or a child has been suffering abuse, you may not have assembled details, as you were probably trying to solve the case at the family level. This means you have not taken photos of injuries suffered or your house in disarray after an incident.
However, not having any evidence you can present for a protection order should not deter you from going to court. You should not wait for another incident to gather some evidence.
How to Proceed
The best course of action is to talk to a family law attorney in Oklahoma City. You can tell the judge your story in your own words when you show up in court and explain why you need a protective order. You need to prepare beforehand what you will submit to the court.
Do not leave out any details that explain what has been happening. Take notes before you go to court, so you won’t forget anything. Your attorney should help you with what is necessary to say and what is not.
On the other hand, if you have evidence, give it to your attorney.
Here is what your advocate can present in court as evidence to get a protective order.
1. Witnesses
Gather witnesses to the abuse, stalking, or whatever harassment you have experienced. Witnesses can be people you told about the abuse suffered, people who saw your injuries, a police officer called to the scene, or people who saw your house in disarray after the abuse
Your family advocate should prepare you and other witnesses to testify in court.
A protective order can last up to five years and can have a significant impact on the life of the person to whom it is issued.
The burden of proof is high for a permanent order. Thus, witnesses must present the situation accurately.
2. Police Reports and Other Documents
Get any reports the police may have made that document your abuse. If you have pictures of injuries and medical reports, give these to your Oklahoma City family lawyer.
3. Recordings of Calls to 911
If you made calls to 911 during or after an abusive incident, collect the recordings from the police.
However, the authorities erase such recordings after some time. Therefore, you should try to get them in a timely manner.
There may be a modest charge for getting the 911 recordings.
4. Criminal Records
If your abuser has a criminal record, getting certified copies of any related court documents can help your case. Criminal records can include a history of drug abuse, violence, or involvement in any illegal activity.
Low-cost Consultation: Oklahoma City Family Law Attorney
Are you or a loved suffering abuse that you want to stop? You need an Oklahoma City family law attorney who will accurately communicate your situation to the judge.
We offer initial consultations at no cost. Discover how our family law experts can help you through this difficult time.
For a initial consultation with an experienced Oklahoma City divorce attorney, call 405-880-8222 today.
If you prefer e-mail, send us your question using the “Ask the Lawyer” form on the right side of this page.