When Your Back Is Against
the Wall, We Are Right
There With You
the Wall, We Are Right
There With You
California Criminal Defense and Restraining Order Firm
Restraining Order Defense in Los Angeles County
If you were just served, contact a lawyer today to consult regarding your options. Call 888-808-2179 to speak with a qualified lawyer. You’re not alone and you’re not powerless. In Los Angeles County, restraining orders move quickly and can affect your home, your kids, your career, and your firearm rights—often within 24 hours. This page is your clear, plain-English guide to what’s happening, what’s at stake, and how Power Trial Lawyers can protect you right now.
Immediate help: Call (888) 808-2179 for a confidential consultation. Same-day strategy sessions available.
Why Restraining Order Defense in Los Angeles County Is Different
Los Angeles is the largest county in California, with a complex court system and multiple courthouses. Restraining order cases are handled aggressively and move fast. Judges frequently grant temporary orders on the same day papers are filed, and if you are not prepared by the time of the hearing, you risk having an order last years—or even permanently.
A restraining order in Los Angeles can affect:
- Your freedom: Violating an order, even accidentally, can result in immediate arrest and criminal charges.
- Your family: A domestic violence restraining order can impact custody and visitation rights.
- Your career: Many employers and licensing boards require disclosure of restraining orders.
- Your firearms rights: Most restraining orders require immediate surrender of all firearms and ammunition.
Types of Restraining Orders in Los Angeles County
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs)
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders apply if the petitioner is a spouse, partner, co-parent, or someone with whom you had a dating or household relationship. Judges can issue DVROs based on “reasonable proof” of past abuse. These orders can last up to five years and be renewed indefinitely.
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHROs)
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders are used between neighbors, coworkers, roommates, acquaintances, or even strangers. The legal standard is higher: the petitioner must show clear and convincing evidence of harassment.
Workplace Violence Restraining Orders (WVROs)
Workplace Violence Restraining Orders is where employers file an order to protect employees from alleged threats or harassment.
Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders
Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders are filed to protect seniors or dependent adults from alleged abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs)
Gun Violence Restraining Orders are orders that focus specifically on firearm possession and can begin as short-term emergency orders but extend up to five years.
Comparison Chart: Types of Restraining Orders in Los Angeles County
| Type of Restraining Order | Who Can File | Legal Standard of Proof | Court Division | Duration | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) | Spouse, ex, co-parent, dating partner, household member | “Reasonable proof” of past abuse (lower threshold) | Family Court | Up to 5 years, renewable, even permanent | Custody restrictions, firearm surrender, move-out orders |
| Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO) | Neighbors, roommates, coworkers, acquaintances, strangers | Clear and convincing evidence of harassment (higher threshold) | Civil Court | Up to 5 years | Stay-away orders, contact bans, firearm restrictions |
| Workplace Violence Restraining Order (WVRO) | Employer on behalf of employee | Threats, harassment, violence, or credible risk | Civil Court | Up to 3 years | Protects workplace, firearms restrictions possible |
| Elder/Dependent Adult Restraining Order | Elder (65+) or dependent adult (18–64 with disabilities) | Abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation | Civil Court | Up to 5 years | Protects vulnerable adults, may involve financial limits |
| Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) | Law enforcement, family, or household member | Significant risk of harm if firearms retained | Civil Court | 21 days (emergency) up to 5 years (final) | Prohibits firearm ownership/possession |
| Criminal Protective Order (CPO) | Prosecutor during active criminal case | Pretrial or post-conviction protection | Criminal Court | During criminal case or probation | Prohibits contact, firearms, custody impact |
What Happens When You’re Served in Los Angeles
The moment you are served, the clock starts ticking. Here’s what you must do:
- Read the order carefully. Every page matters. Look for provisions about no contact, stay-away distances, move-out requirements, and firearm surrender.
- Follow it immediately. Even if the claims are false, you must comply until the hearing. Ignoring it exposes you to arrest.
- Surrender firearms quickly. If the order requires you to give up firearms, you must turn them in or sell/store them with a licensed dealer and file proof with the court. Failing to do so can result in criminal charges.
- Mark your calendar. Hearings are typically set within weeks, and your written response is due quickly. If you don’t respond in time, you’ll be at a disadvantage.
- Gather your evidence. Save text messages, emails, call logs, social media posts, photos, work records, and witness names.
- Contact an attorney immediately. You cannot risk handling this alone in Los Angeles County. The court system is unforgiving, and one mistake can follow you for years. You can contact us by submitting a confidential contact form or calling 888-808-2179 to consult with a qualified lawyer today.
The Stakes: Criminal and Civil Consequences
- Criminal penalties: Violating a restraining order is a crime that can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
- Firearm rights: You will be prohibited from owning or possessing firearms for the duration of the order. Noncompliance risks felony prosecution.
- Custody and visitation: In family court, findings of domestic violence can trigger a presumption against custody.
- Employment and professional licenses: Many employers, especially in law enforcement, healthcare, finance, and security, treat restraining orders as disqualifying.
How Power Trial Lawyers Fights Restraining Orders
We know Los Angeles courts. Our strategy is designed to protect your rights, preserve your reputation, and dismantle weak or fabricated claims.
Our Defense Approach Includes:
- Challenging service and notice errors.
- Attacking the legal standard: exposing lack of evidence, credibility gaps, or lawful reasons for alleged conduct.
- Digital evidence analysis: using metadata, GPS, and phone records to disprove allegations.
- Witness preparation: preparing supportive testimony to counter false claims.
- Firearms compliance planning: ensuring proper surrender and documentation to avoid criminal exposure.
- Negotiation and narrowing: fighting to limit distance requirements, communication restrictions, and the duration of any order.
Step-by-Step Guide for Los Angeles Restraining Order Defense
Day 1 – Immediately After Being Served
- Stop all contact with the petitioner.
- Check for firearm surrender requirements.
- Call Power Trial Lawyers right away.
Within 48 Hours
- Collect evidence: texts, emails, social media, and any documents.
- Identify witnesses.
- Secure firearm surrender proof if required.
- Begin preparing your official written response.
One Week Before Hearing
- File your response with exhibits and declarations.
- Subpoena work, school, or medical records if needed.
- Meet with your attorney to finalize your defense.
Hearing Day
- Arrive early with your attorney.
- Present evidence and witnesses clearly and persuasively.
- Push to dismiss the petition—or at minimum, narrow the terms of any order.
Why Choose Power Trial Lawyers in Los Angeles
- Local court knowledge: We regularly appear at CCB (Downtown), LAX, Van Nuys, Compton, Pasadena, Torrance, and other Los Angeles County courthouses.
- Firearms defense strength: We are one of the few firms that deeply understand how restraining orders intersect with firearm laws.
- High-stakes reputation: We defend professionals, business owners, and individuals with careers and families to protect.
- Proven track record: Our attorneys have achieved dismissals, denials, and favorable modifications in restraining order cases across LA.
Courthouse-by-Courthouse Breakdown for Restraining Orders in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County is massive. Restraining order hearings are spread across multiple courthouses depending on case type (domestic violence vs. civil harassment vs. workplace violence). Knowing where your case will be heard is critical—judges, calendars, and local procedures vary.
Central District – Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Downtown LA)
- Types heard: Family law DVROs, Civil Harassment, Elder Abuse
- Why it matters: This is the busiest courthouse in LA for restraining orders. Judges are experienced but calendars are overloaded, so well-prepared written submissions are essential.
Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (CCB, Downtown LA)
- Types heard: Criminal protective orders tied to pending criminal cases
- Why it matters: Restraining orders here are usually tied to criminal charges. Defense requires coordination with criminal defense strategy.
Airport Courthouse
- Types heard: DVROs, Civil Harassment
- Why it matters: Serves much of West LA and South Bay. Judges are strict on firearms compliance.
Van Nuys Courthouse
- Types heard: DVROs, Civil Harassment, Elder Abuse
- Why it matters: Heavy volume of family-law based restraining orders. Judges here expect complete, organized responses.
Compton Courthouse
- Types heard: DVROs, Civil Harassment
- Why it matters: Petitioners frequently appear without attorneys; well-prepared respondents have an advantage with legal representation.
Pasadena Courthouse
- Types heard: DVROs, Civil Harassment
- Why it matters: Handles San Gabriel Valley restraining orders. Judges tend to grant temporary orders quickly; hearings move fast.
Torrance Courthouse
- Types heard: DVROs, Civil Harassment
- Why it matters: Smaller courthouse with tighter calendars. Deadlines are strictly enforced.
Other Locations (Pomona, Long Beach, Norwalk, Glendale, Lancaster, Santa Monica)
- Types heard: Varies by courthouse (mostly DVROs and Civil Harassment)
- Why it matters: Each courthouse has its own scheduling quirks; some move hearings faster than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a restraining order last in Los Angeles?
A temporary order can issue the same day papers are filed. After a hearing, an order can last up to five years and can be renewed.
What happens if I violate the order?
You can be arrested and prosecuted. Even minor or accidental violations can result in criminal charges.
Can I fight a false restraining order?
Yes. Many petitions are exaggerated or outright false. With strong legal representation, you can expose weaknesses and preserve your rights.
Will I lose my guns?
If the order requires firearm surrender, yes. But with an attorney’s help, you can comply in a way that protects your defense and minimizes long-term damage.
Can I attend the hearing remotely?
In many cases, yes. Los Angeles County allows remote appearances, but you must register in advance. You also may not handle the order to show cause hearing remotely. It is recommended you consult with a lawyer first.
Take Action Now
Restraining order cases in Los Angeles move fast, and the consequences are life-changing. Do not wait, do not try to handle this alone, and do not underestimate the risks.
Call Power Trial Lawyers today at (888) 808-2179 for an immediate confidential consultation. We are ready to defend you, protect your rights, and fight for your future.