Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
Protective Order Length
6 years ago in FL I had a Protective
order against me (not criminal, no
battery or assault). I can't seem to
find the paperwork but I want to
own a handgun to protect me and
my family. I never violated the
order, in fact I don't even know
where the petitioner is anymore.
I have read that restraining orders,
even when ''permanent'', only last
at most 5 years because it is
unconstitutional to restrain a free
person indefinitely. Is this true or
does it last forever and have to
lifted by the state?
If I am wrong, what is the process
in getting one lifted and and what
is a ballpark figure in billable hours
I might be looking at?
Thank you for your time.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Protective Order Length
A duration of "life" on an injunction is not unconstitutional. If the injunction is still in place, you can file a motion to dismiss it. A lawyer will probably charge you for three or four billable hours to do this, so you're probably looking at about $600 to $1,200 or so.
Re: Protective Order Length
It cannot be vacated without a court order.