Appealing a Restraining Order in Orange County, CA

January 21, 2023

Appealing a restraining order in Orange County can be a complex and daunting process. However, it is important to understand the process and the various standards of review that may apply in order to effectively navigate the appeals process.

A restraining order is a court order that is intended to protect an individual from harassment, stalking, or domestic violence. In Orange County, there are two types of restraining orders: temporary restraining orders (TROs) and permanent restraining orders (PROs). TROs are typically issued on an emergency basis, without notice to the other party, and are designed to provide immediate protection. PROs, on the other hand, are issued after a hearing, during which both parties have an opportunity to present evidence and testify.

The process for appealing a restraining order begins with the filing of a notice of appeal with the trial court. This notice must be filed within 60 days of the date of the restraining order. Once the notice of appeal is filed, the trial court will prepare a transcript of the hearing and forward it to the appellate court. The appellate court will then review the transcript and any other relevant documents to determine whether any errors occurred during the trial and, if so, whether those errors were prejudicial to the defendant’s case.

The standard of review that applies to appeals of restraining orders varies depending on the type of order and the issue being appealed. For appeals of TROs, the standard of review is de novo review. This is the highest level of scrutiny, and under this standard, the appellate court independently reviews the evidence and makes its own findings of fact and conclusions of law. For appeals of PROs, the standard of review is substantial evidence review. This standard is used to determine whether the lower court’s decision is supported by substantial evidence. Substantial evidence is defined as evidence that a reasonable person might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.

In addition to the standards of review for the issuance of a restraining order, there are also standards of review that apply to the modification or termination of a restraining order. For appeals of the modification or termination of a restraining order, the standard of review is abuse of discretion review. This standard applies to appeals of the lower court’s discretionary decisions, and the appellate court will only overturn those decisions if the trial court abused its discretion.

Another important aspect of appealing a restraining order is the issue of attorney’s fees. Under California law, the prevailing party in an appeal of a restraining order is entitled to attorney’s fees. This means that if you are the party who successfully appeals the restraining order, you may be entitled to recover your attorney’s fees from the other party. However, if you are the party who loses the appeal, you may be responsible for paying the other party’s attorney’s fees.

In order to effectively appeal a restraining order, it is important to have a clear understanding of the process and the various standards of review that may apply. It is also important to retain an experienced attorney who has knowledge of the specific laws and procedures that apply to restraining order appeals in Orange County. An attorney can help to evaluate your case, identify any potential errors or issues, and provide guidance and representation throughout the appeals process.

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If you believe you had a restraining order unfairly issued against you, then contact our office today. Call us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Orange County restraining order attorney.

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