Domestic Violence & Protective Orders Charlotte, NC
Domestic Violence Attorney Charlotte, NC | Protective Orders | Hefferon Law, PLLC
Domestic violence cases move fast, and the consequences — for victims and respondents alike — are immediate and lasting. Whether you need protection or you've had a complaint filed against you, getting legal guidance quickly is essential.
At Hefferon Law, PLLC, we represent clients on both sides of domestic violence proceedings in Mecklenburg County District Court. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 first. When you're ready for legal help, we're here.
North Carolina's domestic violence law covers acts between people in a personal relationship — current and former spouses, household members, parents and children, people who share a child, and current and former dating partners. Covered acts include causing or attempting to cause physical injury, placing someone in fear of imminent serious harm, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment causing substantial emotional distress.
When a victim needs immediate protection, they can seek an emergency protective order the same day — issued without prior notice to the other party. If granted, it can require the respondent to have no contact with the victim, stay away from the home or workplace, and vacate a shared residence. Emergency orders are temporary; a full hearing must be held within 10 days.
At the full hearing, both parties present their evidence. If the court finds that domestic violence occurred, a full protective order can be entered for up to one year — and renewed for up to two additional years per renewal. A full order can include no-contact and stay-away provisions, exclusive possession of the home, temporary custody and support arrangements, and requirements to surrender firearms.
If you've been the victim of domestic violence, we help you through the entire process — filing the complaint accurately, preparing for the hearing, presenting your evidence, and coordinating the protective order with any related divorce or custody proceedings. You don't have to face this alone.
Being served with a domestic violence complaint is serious — it can mean immediate removal from your home, firearm restrictions, and a public court record. Not every complaint accurately represents what happened. We represent respondents who dispute the allegations, and we prepare clients thoroughly for the full hearing so their side of the story is heard.
A protective order often intersects directly with child custody and divorce proceedings. Temporary custody arrangements in a DVPO can influence longer-term custody decisions, and a domestic violence finding is a factor in the best interests of the child analysis. We coordinate these proceedings so our clients' positions are protected across all related matters.
You Deserve to Feel Safe
If you have questions about your situation, we're ready to help. Call us at (704) 610-4795, email info@hefflawpllc.com, or fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch within one business day.
We serve clients throughout Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Union County, Cabarrus County, Stanly County, Gaston County, and surrounding communities.