Restraining Orders in Oregon are technically called “Family Abuse Prevention Act” (FAPA) Orders. FAPA orders are serious business – and the Judge’s decision to uphold or dismiss a contested FAPA order depends not only on what you say in Court, but how your case is presented and what evidence is allowed or not allowed into evidence.
The rules of evidence and court procedures apply in FAPA cases – whether you have an attorney on your side or not.
The rules of evidence control which testimony and documents are allowed into evidence, and which are not. I have seen cases won or lost based on the application of these rules, irrespective of what other evidence might have existed. This is why if you are serious about seeking or defending against a FAPA order, you should retain a qualified and experienced trial attorney like myself.
FAPA orders are not just about being prohibited from contacting someone. It is not uncommon for people to tell me that they believe there is no reason to fight a FAPA order against them since they don’t want to communicate with the other person anyways. There are many other reasons why you do not want a FAPA upheld against you. These can be called “collateral consequences,” and can impact your Constitutional rights under Oregon and Federal Law, affect your ability to rent an apartment and jeopardize employment opportunities. Give me a call if you’d like to discuss this further
If the police and then the District Attorney’s office believe that you violated the restraining order, they can arrest and charge you with contempt of court. You do not have the right to a jury trial, yet you can be sentenced to 6 months in jail for each violation.
Restraining orders (FAPA orders) can restrict your right to possess and purchase firearms, under both Oregon State and Federal Law: In the Oregon court, the Judge may order you to not possess firearms or ammunition as part of the “other relief” provision in the temporary or final order. FEDERAL LAW prohibits most individuals who have a FAPA order against them from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition while subject to restraining orders that (1) were issued after a hearing for which the respondent received notice and (2) contain certain findings required by the federal law.
Further, upon being served with the FAPA order you will have to provide a firearm affidavit to the Court listing firearms you own and possess, and designating whether you will forfeit them or have a third party take their possession. That third party will also have to sign the affidavit.
If a restraining order (FAPA order) is not contested, or if it is but you lose, the presumption under Oregon law is that the other parent should have custody of the children.
There is currently no legal means in Oregon to expunge a FAPA Petition or Order – but at least if you contest it and prevail, you can show that the Court did not find you to have committed acts of abuse.
The Oregon-based divorce and family law firm of attorney Ken A. Kissir offers experience and qualified legal advice for all family law matters. He represents clients dealing with separation, divorce, family law and custody matters, in Gresham/Troutdale and the surrounding Portland Metro area. He is licensed in Oregon, Washington and Federal Courts. Ken Kissir practices in Troutdale, Portland, Gresham, Oregon City, Fairview, Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Washington County, and other locations.