Just like other areas of New York, Domestic Violence is a serious crime that frequently occurs in Staten Island. Because of this, the District Attorney of Staten Island’s office has formed a bureau to specifically prosecute cases of Domestic Violence. Each District Attorney assigned to Domestic Violence cases takes their responsibility very seriously, as you should also. It is for this reason that you should have a hard working and experienced Staten Island Domestic Violence Lawyer working on your behalf. The right Staten Island Domestic Violence Lawyer can put the complex issues of these cases into much more understandable terms.

In Staten Island, Domestic Violence cases fit into two categories: Felonies and Misdemeanors. Domestic Violence cases are tried at 67 Targee Street which is between Frean & Purroy Streets. Regardless of the nature of the crime, any Staten Island Criminal Attorney will tell you that an Order of Protection is the last order that the Judge will sign during the arraignment of the Domestic Violence case in Staten Island. This order could be for, but not limited to, such crimes as even drug possession or DWI given the right facts can be classified as Domestic Violence. These crimes can also include: felony, harassment, misdemeanor, sodomy, rape, disorderly conduct, attempted murder, assault, rape, spousal abuse, or sex abuse. Our Criminal Lawyers have even handled a Petite Larceny case that was classified as domestic violence.

This order advises the defendant to cease contact or any interaction with the “victim” of the case. There are two different kinds of Orders of Protection: “limited” and “stay away”. A Full Order of Protection, or “stay away”, prohibits any form of contact with the victim such as, but not restricted to, 3rd party, electronic, or telephonic contact. Furthermore, the defendant must stay clear the victim’s school, place of business, and home. Any Staten Island Criminal Domestic Violence Lawyer can tell you that these types of Orders of Protection are incredibly strict. Violation of the Order will result in an arrest and the charge of Criminal Contempt. The charge of Criminal Contempt is a criminal violation for disregarding a Court Order. The Staten Island District Attorney determines how the case will be handled and whether it will be a felony or a misdemeanor. Also, the Staten Island Judge before whom you may appear, may be angered by the disobedience of the Order and impose a greater bail.

The other kind of Order of Protection is the “limited” Order of Protection. This Order is also referred to as the “Do Not Harass Order”. In these situations, a defendant may contact the victim; they cannot, however harass, intimidate, or annoy the complaining victim. Violation of this order will result in the arrest of the defendant and a charge of Criminal Contempt, as well as the primary charge of Domestic Violence. The same ramifications may be implemented for this new charge as the ones for the violation of a full order that was discussed above.

If you have received a criminal charge in Staten Island that meets the qualifications for Domestic Violence, you will need the assistance of a Staten Island Domestic Violence Lawyer that is knowledgeable and experienced for your defense against the District Attorney. The Staten Island Domestic Violence Lawyers with Stephen Bilkis & Associates should be your first call. Each one of our Staten Island Domestic Violence Lawyers is available to hear your problem and map out a defense strategy for you. Do not hesitate to call 1-800-NY-NY-Law for a no charge consultation. We have a New York City offices conveniently located near bus and train stops in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bronx as well as Long Island in both Nassau County and Suffolk County.