Seeking the Advice of a DVO or AVO Lawyer in Cairns
If you believe you have been the victim of domestic violence, or if you think you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, you should seek the advice and assistance of a DVO lawyer or AVO lawyer in Cairns. AVO and DVO are both abbreviations of different types of domestic violence orders. In this article, we will delve into the meanings of these abbreviations and what to do if you find yourself on either end of a domestic violence situation.
Fast Facts about a Cairns Protection Order
Both AVOs and DVOs are types of protection orders that we can institute in domestic violence cases, both in Cairns and throughout Australia as a whole. If you are seeking a protection order in Cairns or have found yourself the subject of one, the first things to do is learn what the protection order means. Here are a few simple definitions to help:
- AVO. ‘AVO’ stands for ‘apprehended violence order.’
- DVO. ‘DVO’ stands for ‘domestic violence order.’
Both orders are essentially restraining orders, which are designed to protect the victim from their alleged abuser. These orders are not criminal convictions, but they do carry the weight of the law. Depending on how they are written, they can bar the alleged abuser from attacking, threatening, contacting or coming within a certain distance of the victim. Any breach of an AVO or DVO is considered to be a crime and can result in arrest, court proceedings, prison time and criminal record.
AVO and DVO are terms that are used more or less interchangeably throughout Australia. Some territories use AVO. Others use DVO. If you are looking for an AVO or DVO lawyer in Cairns, you can trust Magoffin Law.
The Importance of a Cairns Protection Order Lawyer
If you find yourself in a domestic violence situation, it is vital to seek the advice of a skilled Cairns protection order lawyer. Here’s why:
- Doing so can be crucial protection. If you believe that you have been the victim of domestic violence—or even personal abuse, at the hands of a neighbour or a co-worker—then a protection order may be the best and quickest way to ensure that the full might of the law protects you. Filing for a protection order makes the court aware of the problem and gives you formal protection while the rest of your case plays out. If you have children, the AVO or DVO will extend to them as well, which is another reason to seek a Cairns protection order.
- Being named in a DVO/AVO can radically alter your life. Has a partner, spouse or family member filed for a protection order against you? Do you believe that the claims made in the protection order are false or exaggerated? If so, you need to work with a lawyer to fight the order. Having a DVO or AVO against you can affect your life in numerous radical ways. You can lose custody of your child, or even any rights to see them regularly. You can lose your weapons licence, even if you need it for your job. You can be removed from your home. For all these reasons and more, it is paramount that you consult a domestic violence lawyer if you believe that the DVO/AVO against you is unfair, untrue, misleading or exaggerated.
Why Trust Magoffin Law as Your DVO or AVO Lawyer in Cairns
If you require assistance with a protection order in Cairns, contact Magoffin Law today. We are experienced in cases involving domestic violence, having focused in part on this area of the legal profession for 30 years and counting. Whether you are the victim or protected person or the person against whom a claim has been made, we can help you determine the correct steps to take. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.