Attorney Jody L. Usow
Milwaukee Area Divorce, Family Law and Criminal Defense Lawyer
Before you speak to police or other law enforcement about any allegation of Domestic Abuse you are entitled to speak to a lawyer. Don't lose this important opportunity, seek legal counsel BEFORE you speak to law enforcement.
Domestic abuse is a serious matter, not only because it threatens the personal safety of one or more parties in a family or relationship, but because it also involves the reputation, and in some cases the criminal record, of the defendant; sometimes unfairly. In these cases, defending your personal reputation against unwarranted allegations can have a major impact on your future, including for example, employment opportunities.
Unlike many other legal matters, if you are the victim of domestic abuse or the victim of an unfounded allegation of domestic abuse, there is usually less time to proceed than in many other legal procedures. This is in part because, in the Wisconsin Circuit Courts, there is a limited period of time in which to request an appeal (de novo review) of a domestic abuse restraining order once it has been initially granted and also because there are practical limitations in alleging domestic abuse if significant time has passed after the alleged incident.
Additionally, an increasing number of family law actions arise from or involve allegations of domestic abuse. Effective representation in domestic abuse cases can therefore play an important role in negotiating other related actions, such as a divorce or child custody action. Once a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is in place, it can become a central theme in an opposing party's claims that you should be denied placement and other parental rights.
In any instance, whether seeking a domestic abuse restraining order or defending against one, it is highly advisable that you seek professional legal guidance regarding this process and the relevant time limitations in your county before it is too late to change what might be a life-altering decision.
Allegations of domestic abuse have serious long-term implications. Even if a Restraining Order is not awarded, in many cases the case itself, along with the defendant's name, may remain a matter of permanent public record.
Whether you are seeking or defending a Restraining Order it is important that you get guidance from a lawyer as early as possible.
Attorney Jody Usow has significant experience representing parties on both sides of Restraining Order and domestic abuse cases.
To discuss your legal rights and all of the options available to you in a Restraining Order or domestic abuse matter, contact Attorney Jody Usow at (414) 272-7800.