Protective-Order Violation Defense in Utah
Utah’s protective-order laws are strict. If police believe you violated any condition—texting the protected person, entering a shared home, even “liking” a social-media post—they must arrest you on the spot. A single misstep can bring jail time, new criminal charges, and a record that jeopardizes custody, employment, and firearm ownership. Morrise Thompson Foresta responds immediately to protect your freedom and your future.
Why Clients Call Us the Moment Trouble Starts
Mandatory-Arrest Insight. We understand the “zero-tolerance” enforcement under Utah Code § 77-36-2.4 and the fast timeline for bail hearings.
Comprehensive Order Review. Many clients never receive a full copy of the order. We analyze every clause, service record, and police report for defects that can defeat the charge.
Digital-Forensics Edge. Text chains, call logs, GPS pings, and social-media metadata often prove accidental contact or fabrication. Our in-house analysts preserve and interpret that data before it disappears.
Custody & Firearm Protection. A violation can trigger automatic weapon bans and DCFS inquiries. We file parallel motions to safeguard your parental rights and 2A status.
Flat-Fee Transparency. Clear, written pricing means no surprise invoices while you focus on your defense.
How We Defend Alleged Violations
Rapid Case Audit – Within hours, we obtain the protective order, arrest affidavit, and body-cam footage to spot service errors or over-broad provisions.
Independent Investigation – We interview witnesses, secure surveillance video, and download phone data to reconstruct actual events and intent.
Motions to Suppress or Dismiss – We challenge improper service, ambiguous contact, and Constitutional overreach, often ending the case before trial.
Negotiation or Trial – Where dismissal isn’t possible, we leverage weaknesses for reduced charges, contempt alternatives, or time-served resolutions. And, if needed, we present a clear narrative of mistake, coercion, or lack of intent to a jury.
Protective Order Violations - FAQs
Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Do I really need an attorney?
When you are charged with a crime, the government has extensive resources all directed at reaching the outcome it wants, and usually that means obtaining as many convictions, the highest fines, and the longest incarcerations as it can reasonably get. Knowledge of law, the legal rules, and a quality investigation are the resources you need to stand up against the government. That is what good lawyers can do for you.
What happens next?
You’ve been charged with a crime, now what? Depending upon the level of the offense there are different processes for taking a case forward. In most cases you will have an initial appearance, where the judge will inform you of the charges and potential penalties. At that hearing the judge may ask you to enter a plea, either guilty or not guilty. At that same hearing the judge might ask what you plan to do about an attorney. That is when you should tell the judge that you are hiring Morrise Thompson. After we have been retained, we will file an appearance of counsel, informing the judge and the prosecutor that you are now represented by our office. Then we will file a demand for discovery, forcing the prosecutor to provide all the evidence they have collected to that point, the police reports, any written statements by witnesses, any recordings, etc. We will review that evidence with you and begin considering what defenses might apply to your case, what motions could be filed, and what other investigations need to be performed.
Can the judge cancel or change the protective order after an alleged violation?
Yes. We can file motions to amend, suspend, or dismiss the order—especially if it was issued ex parte, circumstances have changed, or the original service was defective. Success often hinges on swift action and solid evidence, so contact us as soon as possible.
Call A Protective Order Violations Attorney Now
Don’t wait. The sooner you involve an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of success. Contact Morrise Thompson Foresta Legal today to protect your future.