Sacramento Workplace Violence Restraining Order Attorney
A workplace violence restraining order (WVRO) served in Sacramento threatens to damage your professional status, public image, and future prospects. Employers usually file these orders to protect their employees. They are issued without your input, but they can limit your job functions, access to specific places, and firearm ownership. When this happens, a Sacramento workplace violence restraining order lawyer can represent your interests and assert your rights.
Why Choose Tully & Weiss?
Tully & Weiss understands that workplace violence accusations create emotional challenges while putting your career and reputation at risk.
Our legal team has extensive experience in defending clients in restraining order cases throughout Sacramento County, including high-stakes workplace disputes. Our attorneys take proactive steps in court proceedings by extensively examining the facts of your case. Then, we can dismantle weak evidence to give full voice to your story.
Our firm understands the progression of legal cases within Sacramento courts, which allows us to develop the most effective defense strategies for our clients. Our team stands ready to swiftly defend your rights in cases of domestic violence, sex offenses, murder, false allegations, or workplace disputes with both skill and discretion.
We are available 24/7 and can quickly meet you in jail or at your location. Start your defense on the right track from the very first step.
What Is a WVRO?
A WVRO is a legal mandate issued by the court to guard workers against job-related harassment or violent behavior. The William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse accepts workplace violence restraining order applications exclusively from employers.
Personal restraining orders, like domestic violence restraining orders and civil harassment restraining orders, differ from workplace violence restraining orders because people can request them without employer involvement.
In 2023, 1,879 WVROs were issued in California. The number of WVROs issued in California expanded significantly in recent years. Between 2020 and 2023, statewide WVRO issuance rose by 24%, which included growth rates of 14% for temporary WVROs and 41% for longer-term final WVROs. A WVRO can be issued for a variety of reasons.
Some of these include:
- An employee faced physical violence, or someone attempted to physically harm them.
- An employee encountered threats through digital platforms, phone calls, and/or postal mail.
- An employee encounters stalking behavior and harassment during their work hours.
- A worker faces coercion or intimidation through actions like being followed from the office to their home.
What to Do If You Are Served With a Workplace Violence Restraining Order
The issuance of a WRVO leads to stringent limitations for the person accused. The restrictions may require maintaining a specified distance from both the protected employee and their workplace, a condition that, if violated, could trigger harsh penalties similar to what individuals face after allegations of misconduct involving firearms. It may also prohibit any contact with the protected employee or coworkers. A WVRO can also ban the possession of firearms, ammunition, or body armor, similar to firearm possession restrictions that follow domestic violence convictions.
The order may cover protections for an employee’s family or household members if they appear to be in danger.
Upon receiving a WVRO, you might feel confused and unsure about your next steps. Acting quickly is critical. Start by finding an experienced defense attorney who can defend your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Your attorney may start by explaining the order to you. They can show you how to comply with its limitations to prevent additional legal troubles. You will receive Form WV-109 to notify you of a hearing, wherein you can dispute the court’s allegations. Failure to appear at the hearing can lead to the immediate establishment of a permanent restraining order, emphasizing why navigating California’s nuanced felony procedure is vital even in seemingly civil matters.
Defenses Against WVRO Cases
When a WRVO is served to you, it is essential to know that you can defend yourself against these allegations. Defendants can present evidence that no valid threat existed or that violence wasn’t involved. They could also demonstrate that their actions were misunderstood or misrepresented.
The accuser may have submitted the request to retaliate against you because of workplace politics or personal disputes. A solid defense strategy usually involves showing witness testimony, communication records, and surveillance footage to show how your conduct was lawful or accidental and not part of a pattern.
An experienced attorney can expose flaws in the accuser’s allegations and make sure the court understands your perspective completely. The possibility of a WVRO affecting your job and legal rights, including firearm possession, makes preparation and a strategic response essential. Tully & Weiss can develop solid defenses that rely on factual information to pursue the greatest possible result for your case.
FAQs
A: Although hiring legal representation isn’t mandatory, you can have better odds of winning your case if you have a lawyer. An experienced attorney knows the relevant legal standards, and they can secure evidence to present in court while safeguarding your rights.
Legal representation is critical when a restraining order threatens your employment status, ability to own firearms, and secure housing.
A: Yes, workplace violence can be considered harassment. California defines workplace harassment as threats, stalking, physical violence, or other intimidating behaviors that threaten workplace safety and peace. The law allows employers to seek workplace violence restraining orders to defend staff from threatening behavior when credible threats or unlawful harassment patterns emerge, even without physical violence.
A: The Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse serves as the location where restraining orders are filed in Sacramento. An attorney can provide assistance with paperwork for civil harassment, workplace violence, or domestic violence orders. Police officers have the authority to issue emergency protective orders. It is required to bring identification as well as relevant documents when submitting paperwork in person.
A: Fight a false restraining order by attending the scheduled court hearing immediately. To successfully counter the allegations, you need to collect evidence in the form of text messages, email correspondence, or statements from witnesses.
A seasoned lawyer can question the accuser’s integrity, find contradictions in their claims, and provide a lawful defense for your behavior, especially important when facing the prosecutorial and judicial biases sometimes present in California courts. Respond to the order because not doing so might lead the court to issue a default judgment against you.
Contact Tully & Weiss Today
If you have been served with a WVRO, don’t delay in seeking help. Tully & Weiss can represent you through the legal process. Contact us today to begin fighting for your rights.