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Stalking and Cyberstalking Injunction Defense Attorney in Orlando, FL
Orlando Injunction for Protection Against Stalking or Cyberstalking Lawyer
Allegations of stalking or cyberstalking can lead to swift and severe legal consequences in Florida. A court-issued injunction for protection against stalking or cyberstalking can drastically restrict your freedom, limit your communications, and expose you to additional criminal charges if the order is violated. These injunctions are often granted quickly and based on limited information, making it essential to respond decisively and strategically.
If you have been served with a petition for an injunction related to stalking or cyberstalking, Hanlon Law is prepared to protect your rights. Orlando injunction lawyer Will Hanlon has extensive experience challenging injunctions and defending individuals accused of serious criminal conduct.
What Is Considered Stalking or Cyberstalking in Florida?
Florida law defines stalking broadly. It may involve physically following or monitoring someone, repeatedly appearing at their home or workplace, or engaging in unwanted behavior that causes emotional distress. Cyberstalking extends these allegations into the digital space and may include emails, text messages, social media posts, direct messages, or other electronic communications.
Under Florida Statute section
784.048, stalking occurs when a person willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another individual. Cyberstalking involves a course of conduct using electronic communication that causes substantial emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose. Even behavior the accused believes to be harmless or misunderstood can form the basis of a stalking allegation.
Criminal Penalties Related to Stalking Allegations in Orlando, Florida
Stalking is generally charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines. However, certain factors can elevate the offense to aggravated stalking, a third-degree felony carrying potential prison time.
Aggravated stalking may be charged when there is an alleged credible threat, when the accused violates an existing injunction, or when the alleged victim is a minor. Courts also treat violations involving prior sex offense convictions or protective orders with particular severity.
Orlando Injunctions for Protection Against Stalking or Cyberstalking
Florida law allows an individual who believes they are a victim of stalking—or a parent or guardian acting on behalf of a minor—to file a sworn petition seeking an injunction for protection against stalking or cyberstalking. These injunctions can be issued even when no criminal charges have been filed.
Often, a judge reviews the petition ex parte and may issue a temporary injunction without hearing from the accused. If granted, this temporary order can prohibit contact, restrict movement, and limit online activity until a full court hearing is held.
How an Injunction Can Affect Your Life in Orlando, Florida
An injunction for protection against stalking or cyberstalking may prohibit direct and indirect communication, including contact through social media or third parties. It may also impose distance restrictions from the petitioner’s home, workplace, or school. In some cases, the injunction can remain in effect for years.
Violating an injunction—even unintentionally—can result in immediate arrest and additional criminal charges. Because injunction violations are treated as separate offenses, the stakes are extremely high once an order is entered.
Defending Against Stalking Injunction Allegations
Stalking allegations are sometimes exaggerated, based on misunderstandings, or motivated by personal disputes, custody battles, or retaliation. A knowledgeable injunction defense lawyer can challenge whether the legal elements of stalking have been met and whether the petitioner’s claims are supported by credible evidence.
Legal representation can make a significant difference at the injunction hearing, where testimony, cross-examination, and documentation may determine whether the order is granted, denied, or limited in scope.
Contact Hanlon Law
If you are facing an injunction for protection against stalking or cyberstalking, do not assume the court will automatically see your side of the situation. These proceedings move quickly, and the consequences of an adverse ruling can follow you for years.
Attorney Will Hanlon has represented individuals accused of stalking-related offenses and injunction violations throughout the Orlando area since 1994. At Hanlon Law, we take a proactive and strategic approach to defending the rights of the accused. If you are looking for an experienced Orlando injunction lawyer, contact Hanlon Law today by
phone or
online to schedule a confidential consultation.
