Thomas C. Grajek | August 27, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Being served with an injunction can be overwhelming, especially if you weren’t expecting it. An injunction is a court order that directs a person either to take specific actions or to stop doing certain things. While injunctions are technically civil in nature, violating one can result in serious criminal charges, leading to you becoming a defendant in a criminal case.
Common Types of Injunctions in Florida
In Florida, there are several types of injunctions, each designed for different situations. Common ones include:
- Domestic violence injunction: This type of injunction is meant to protect someone who alleges they are a victim of abuse or threats from a current or former spouse, family member, or household member. It can order the respondent to stay away, have no contact, and sometimes even leave a shared residence.
- Dating violence injunction: A dating violence injunction applies when the people involved are in or have recently been in a romantic or intimate relationship. This injunction may set specific restrictions on contact and proximity, similar to a domestic violence injunction.
- Repeat violence injunction: A repeat violence injunction is typically granted when two or more incidents of violence or threats have occurred, and at least one incident happened within the last six months. It can involve any type of relationship between the petitioner and the respondent.
- Sexual violence injunction: This injunction protects individuals who report certain sexual offenses, such as sexual battery or lewd acts toward a minor, regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed. Victims must have reported the incident to law enforcement to be eligible.
- Stalking injunction: A stalking injunction is issued when someone is alleged to commit certain unwanted behaviors, such as following, harassing, or cyberstalking another person.
Although injunctions in Florida are civil orders, failing to follow them can bring criminal charges, which may lead to arrest, jail time, and a permanent record. Understanding exactly what type of injunction you’ve received and what to do next is essential.
Immediate Steps To Take After Being Served With an Injunction
When you’re served with an injunction in Florida, how you respond in the first few days can have a major impact on the outcome. Here’s what you should do:
- Read the injunction carefully: Go through the entire document line by line. Make note of contact restrictions, required distances you must maintain, and whether you need to surrender firearms or other items. Even accidental violations can result in arrest, so knowing every condition is crucial.
- Do not contact the petitioner: Avoid any communication, including direct, indirect, or even through third parties. This includes phone calls, messages, social media, and approaching them in person.
- Obey all temporary terms: Follow every temporary order in the injunction, no matter how much you disagree with it. You’ll have a chance to tell your side of the story later on.
- Note the hearing date: Pay attention to the date, time, and location of your hearing, which is often set within 15 days of the injunction being served. Missing this court appearance usually means the injunction becomes final by default.
- Gather evidence and witnesses: Start collecting anything that supports your side of the story. This could include text messages, emails, photographs, or video. If other people can testify in your favor, reach out to them.
- Contact a lawyer: An experienced attorney can help you understand the restrictions, prepare for the hearing, and present your side of the situation.
Taking these steps immediately after being served can help you avoid accidental violations and build a strong defense before you appear in court.
Protecting Your Rights After an Injunction
Being served with an injunction in Florida is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. While these orders are civil in nature, violating one can quickly escalate into criminal charges with lasting consequences. By carefully reviewing the terms, complying with restrictions, preparing evidence, and seeking legal guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and strengthen your defense.
If you have any questions about an injunction you’ve received, contact Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, today to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer.
Contact a Lakeland Injunction Lawyer at Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Lakeland Injunction attorneys at Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys, for a consultation. We serve all areas in Lakeland, Polk County, and throughout Florida.
Visit our convenient location:
Grajek Criminal Defense Attorneys
112 E Poinsettia St Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 688-4606