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Every state in the country and the District of Columbia has laws on the books that provide for the issuing of protection orders. Human relationships are fraught with emotion and while cultural and legal norms are that reason should be the prevailing behavior, that ideal is not always met.

In Louisiana, 11 statutes and articles of law exist that make it possible for a private citizen to seek a court order for protection against someone else’s behavior. The exact nature of the order, the circumstances under which one or another would apply, how long it might apply, and the form punishment might take if the order is violated depends on what law is being used.

It’s clear that there are a lot of different order types and finding the right one for your particular situation may require a certain amount of analysis. But the important thing to keep in mind is that they all have the same ultimate objective. The orders are the tools available to protect yourself and your loved ones from possible physical harm and provide you with a sense of security so that you can live your life.

It should be kept in mind that abuse is not gender specific. That is, it isn’t always a matter of a man beating up on a woman. The victimization can go the other way, too. And regardless of gender, if you are feeling threatened with violence, seeking an order for protection might be appropriate for the protection of yourself and loved ones.

Nor should the fact be overlooked that protective orders can be abusively applied. If you feel you have been unfairly placed under such an order, you have a right to present a defense against it.

Whether you need an order or seek to get out from under one, you should be speaking with an attorney who understands your circumstances and the law. Our firm invites your call.