Domestic Violence “A law firm is only as good as its ability to understand and respond to the individual needs of its clients. The Gorski Firm provides cost effective and high-quality counsel to individuals and businesses and provides our clients with the same resources as large firms, without sacrificing personal attention.”
- Vincent A. Gorski, Founder

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Domestic Violence in Bakersfield, CA

Restraining Orders & Domestic Violence Defense in Kern County

Domestic violence encompasses physical abuse, threats, harassment, stalking, and controlling behaviors between family or household members. California law provides protective remedies through domestic violence restraining orders, which may prohibit contact, exclude an individual from the family home, award temporary custody of children, and require the surrender of firearms.

Obtaining a restraining order involves demonstrating to the court that abuse occurred and that there is a reasonable fear of future harm. Conversely, false accusations require a diligent legal defense to protect against unwarranted restrictions on personal liberty and parental rights.

The Gorski Firm represents both petitioners seeking protective restraining orders and respondents defending against domestic violence allegations. We assist in obtaining necessary protections or defending rights against false or exaggerated claims.

Schedule a case consultation with a domestic violence attorney in Bakersfield today. Call (661) 768-1441 or contact us online to get started.

Obtaining a Domestic Violence Restraining Order

California defines domestic violence broadly to include disturbing another's peace, destroying personal property, molesting or striking someone, threatening imminent harm, placing someone in reasonable fear of harm, and harassing behaviors. The abuse doesn't have to be physical; credible threats, patterns of harassment, and controlling behaviors can all support a restraining order.

The process of obtaining a domestic violence restraining order begins by filing a request for in Kern County Superior Court. You describe specific instances of abuse, including dates, what happened, and any witnesses. If immediate danger exists, the court can issue a temporary restraining order the same day. The respondent receives notice through personal service, and at the hearing, both parties can present evidence and testimony.

We can help you prepare detailed declarations describing the abuse and gather supporting evidence such as police reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements. Our team can also represent you at the hearing to present your case to the judge.

Types of Protections in California Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

Domestic violence restraining orders can include multiple types of restrictions.

Personal conduct orders prohibit the restrained person from contacting, threatening, harassing, stalking, or attacking you. Stay-away orders require the restrained person to maintain a specified distance from you, your home, your workplace, and your children's schools. Residence exclusion orders can force the restrained person to move out of a shared home, even if they own it.

Child custody and visitation provisions can be included when children are involved. The court can grant you temporary sole custody, prohibit contact with the children, or order supervised visitation only.

We can help you request appropriate restrictions based on your situation and the nature of the abuse. Our team can also help you understand which protections are available and most likely to keep you safe.

Defending Against Domestic Violence Allegations

False allegations of domestic violence can arise for various reasons, including retaliation, attempts to gain an advantage in custody disputes, or misunderstandings that escalate during emotional situations. Receiving a restraining order requires immediate action because hearing dates are scheduled quickly. Having a domestic violence restraining order on your record can impact employment, professional licenses, firearm rights, and child custody cases.

Defense strategies depend on the specific claims. In some cases, the alleged abuse never occurred. In others, an incident happened, but the petitioner exaggerated its severity or omitted their own role. Valid defenses include self-defense or defense of others when reasonable force was used.

We can prepare a defense that addresses the allegations, gathering evidence to challenge false claims, and representing you at the hearing to cross-examine the petitioner and present your side of the story.

Call (661) 768-1441 or contact us online to schedule a case consultation with a Bakersfield domestic violence lawyer.

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We are dedicated to our clients, the community, and public service. We are based in Bakersfield, California and represent clients with routine and complex family law and bankruptcy matters throughout the state.

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Thank you Mr. Gorski for helping my brother in Mojave court with his DV case.
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I do appreciate Mr. Gorski from the bottom of my heart for his incredible work on my case.
“He took on my case at the very last minute, thoroughly reviewed all the details in an impressively short time, and still managed to win it. His dedication, expertise, and confidence truly made a difference.”

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