Temporary Restraining Orders DETERMINED TO FIGHT FOR YOU

Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs)

Helping To Protect Your Rights and Best Interests in Honolulu

A temporary restraining order (TRO), which is a type of protective order, prevents one person from coming into contact with another person, as well as anyone who lives with that individual. This means that the person whom the order was issued against (the respondent) will not be able to visit, call or try to contact the other person (the petitioner) in any way. These are orders that are often given in domestic violence cases, but they are not limited to these situations.

While temporary restraining orders can be a vital part of keeping someone safe, it can also be used as a tool of retaliation. Sometimes, individuals make exaggerated or completely false claims against others because they know it will lead to a protective order. This tactic is often used as a way to gain the upper hand in a custody battle since restraining orders often weigh in heavily on the final decision of which parent gets to keep the child.

If you have become the unfair target of a restraining order, you need to make sure that you have a strong line of defense. As a Honolulu criminal defense attorney with more than 25 years of experience, I can help you protect your rights and your best interests.

Learn more below about temporary restraining orders in Honolulu and how my office, The Law Office of Steve Cedillos, can help by calling (808) 201-0496.

About TROs

Temporary restraining orders being filed against individuals of more intimate relation are filed through Family Court, while such orders against other individuals are filed in District Court. If a petitioner files for a TRO and it is granted, the order becomes effective as soon as the respondent is formally served with a copy of the TRO. A TRO/injunction hearing will then be scheduled within 15 days of the protective order being granted, as outlined by the Hawaii State Judiciary.

While TROs last 90 days, it is possible that the respondent will be ordered to stay away from the petitioner for a longer period of time. The hearing is used to determine whether the TRO should be replaced with an injunction that can last up to three years. The hearing also serves as an opportunity for the petitioner to prove his or her claims and for the respondent to defend himself or herself against the allegations. If the respondent is successful, he or she will be able to get the TRO removed.

Hardship and Stigma of TROs

Temporary restraining orders can create a great amount of hardship for individuals who are on the receiving end of them.

There are many ways a TRO can hurt the person it is ordered for:

  • If a person receives such an order from someone he or she lives with, that individual will be required to stay away from his or her own home.
  • In some cases, the order could potentially force the person to be separated from his or her children.
  • If the individual receiving the TRO receives such an order from a co-worker, the respondent could end up being forced to stay away from his or her workplace and could therefore be at risk of losing his or her job.

It is important to note that any violation of a TRO that is deemed intentional by the court is counted as a misdemeanor and punishable, upon conviction, by a mandatory jail sentence of at least 48 hours and a fine of $150 to $500, according to Hawaii Revised Statues §586.4. Penalties can be more severe if the respondent has previous convictions for certain felonies.

Contacting a Competent Legal Professional

Don't leave your fate in the hands of your accuser. Contact me so I can help you take the correct steps in protecting your freedom. I have a full understanding of how temporary restraining orders and the local court system work, so I can provide you with step-by-step guidance.

Enlist my services as your criminal defense attorney in Honolulu today. Call (808) 201-0496 to learn more.

    "Would I hire him again? Absolutely."
    I hired Steve for a child custody case in 2021. I see all the reviews that say he is "mean" or "rude" - I would say that he is just blunt and straightforward. He isn't going to get your hopes up just to preserve your feelings. Great guy. he is willing to answer your questions before you even hire him and you can bet that he's honest. Do I think that a 5k retainer was a lot for my case? Yes, but it IS Hawaii and I did hire him 2 months before my actual trial date after going pro-se for a while. Would I hire him again? Absolutely.
    Mica T.
    "Steve provided me with a potentially painless solution"
    With a ten minute conversation Steve provided me with a potentially painless solution and more importantly - Hope.
    Pete M.
    "Steve Cedillos is definitely worth it."
    Steve Cedillos is definitely worth it. He’s very straightforward and gets the job done! Helped me get a TRO I probably wouldn’t have been able to do alone. Navigating the justice system isn’t easy, but his help made it so much easier along with a great outcome!! Thankful and grateful I came across him on Google. He was very responsive anytime I needed to reach him. Highly recommended.
    Delaney R.
    "Thank you very much for your help and honesty."
    Great attorney, helped me out with legal advice. Thank you very much for your help and honesty.
    Alexander L.
    "I contacted Mr Cedillos for advice on a difficult matter and he was extremely helpful to me."
    I contacted Mr Cedillos for advice on a difficult matter and he was extremely helpful to me.
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    "Mr. Cedillos was very patient, knowledgeable and extremely helpful."
    I called for a consultation. Mr. Cedillos was very patient, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I felt heard, understood, and his personable demeanor made my experience so much more pleasant.
    Akasha S.
    "Would recommend him and his team 10/10. A+"
    Steve was extremely responsive and helpful. Would recommend him and his team 10/10. A++”
    Derrick E.
    "Steve was very informative and helped me quickly too."
    Steve was very informative and helped me quickly too.
    Ambi L.

Why Choose Us?

Steve Cedillos, a respected Honolulu attorney with over 30 years of experience, specializes in criminal defense and family law. Committed to his clients' success, Mr. Cedillos provides tireless advocacy and comprehensive representation, from DUI cases to complex divorces. With a client-centered approach and expertise in military defense, he ensures his clients receive top-notch legal support. As a member of the Hawaii State Bar and the Screen Actor's Guild, Steve Cedillos offers a unique perspective and a dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients.

  • Tireless Representation
    Mr. Cedillos works tirelessly on behalf of his clients, understanding the importance of achieving the best possible outcome in their legal matters.
  • Compassionate Advocacy
    Whether negotiating an uncontested divorce or representing clients in court, Steve Cedillos advocates vigorously for his clients' interests to ensure they receive the outcome they deserve.
  • Specialized Military Defense
    Attorney Cedillos specializes in military criminal defense, assisting clients with various proceedings from non-judicial punishment hearings to general courts-martial.
  • Client-Centered Approach
    Mr. Cedillos takes a sincere interest in the success of his clients, prioritizing their needs and goals throughout the legal process.
  • Comprehensive Legal Expertise
    With over 30 years of experience, Steve Cedillos offers expertise in both criminal defense and family law, handling a wide range of cases from DUIs to complex divorce proceedings.