Winnetka Orders of Protection Attorney

Illinois Family Law Attorney in Winnetka Assisting Clients with Orders of Protection Cases

Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 (750 ILCS 60/), anyone who has been abused by a family or household member can seek an order of protection. Sometimes orders of protection are known as protective orders or restraining orders. They are court orders that are designed to protect victims of abuse against any additional harm. The person who files a petition for the order of protection is known as the petitioner, and the alleged abuser against whom the order of protection can be enforced is known as the respondent.

The Act emphasizes that domestic violence is “a serious crime against the individual and society which produces family disharmony in thousands of Illinois families, promotes a pattern of escalating violence which frequently culminates in intra-family homicide, and creates an emotional atmosphere that is not conducive to healthy childhood development.” If you have questions about how orders of protection work, a Winnetka orders of protection attorney can speak with you today.

Get the Facts About Domestic Violence and Orders of Protection in Winnetka

Domestic violence occurs more often than most Winnetka residents might think. Indeed, according to a fact sheet from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, there are tens of thousands of domestic violence survivors currently living in the state, and many have orders of protection to keep them safe. The following are some key statistics about domestic violence in Illinois:

• More than 41,000 adult survivors of domestic violence are living in Illinois currently;
• Approximately 8,000 child witnesses to domestic violence presently are living in Illinois;
• Nearly 50% of all victims of domestic violence are between the ages of 30-49;
• About 34% of domestic violence victims are between the ages of 18-29;
• Around 15% of domestic violence victims are over the age of 49; and
• More than 60% of all victims of domestic violence who seek orders of protection are white, while about 27% are African American and 22% are Hispanic/Latino.

Learning More About Winnetka Orders of Protection

Generally speaking, there are three different kinds of orders of protection available under Illinois law. Both emergency orders of protection and interim orders of protection are designed to last for only a short time until a hearing before a judge—in which both the petitioner and respondent can be heard—can occur. A plenary order is a longer order of protection that a judge can order after a hearing, and it can last for up to two years.

Contact a Winnetka Orders of Protection Lawyer

Do you have questions or concerns about orders of protection in Illinois? A dedicated Winnetka orders of protection lawyer can discuss the facts of your case with you today and can explore your options. Domestic violence cases are often complex and emotionally demanding. As such, it is essential to have a compassionate advocate on your side who can help to ensure that your voice is heard during an order of protection hearing. Contact the Law Office of George M. Sanders, P.C. to speak with an attorney about your case.