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Wesley Rhodes | Criminal Defense Attorney
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Orders of Protection Attorney in Little Rock, Arkansas

Defense for Individuals Facing Orders of Protection or Accused of Violations

Being served with an Order of Protection (OOP) can change your life instantly. These orders — often connected to claims of domestic abuse, harassment, or stalking — can remove you from your home, restrict your access to your children, and appear in law-enforcement databases immediately. Violating an OOP can result in criminal charges, jail time, and long-term consequences.

At Wesley Rhodes, Attorney at Law, our goal is to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future. Our Little Rock Order of Protection defense lawyer represents individuals who need to fight the issuance of an OOP, modify an existing order, or defend against an alleged violation.

What Is an Order of Protection in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, an Order of Protection is a civil court order designed to restrict contact between individuals when allegations of Domestic Abuse or threat of Domestic Abuse are made.

OOPs are governed by the Arkansas Domestic Abuse Act (Ark. Code § 9-15-101 et seq.) and can impose restrictions such as:

  • Prohibiting all contact

  • Removing a person from a shared residence

  • Restricting firearm possession

  • Setting temporary custody or visitation rules

OOPs are separate from criminal charges, but violating one can lead to them.

Types of Orders of Protection in Arkansas

Arkansas issues two primary forms of Orders of Protection:

Temporary Order of Protection (TOP)

  • May be issued after a petition is filed if a judge believes immediate protection is necessary

  • Remains in effect until the full hearing

Final Order of Protection (FOP)

  • Issued only after a hearing where both sides may present evidence

  • Can last 1–10 years, and may be extended

Your rights depend heavily on what stage the case is in when you contact an attorney.

What to Do if You Are Served With an Order of Protection in Arkansas

Being served with an OOP is stressful — but your reaction in the first 24–48 hours is critical.
You should:

  • Do not contact the petitioner, even to “clear things up.”

  • Read the order carefully — it may contain restrictions you must follow immediately.

  • Avoid social media contact or indirect communication (e.g., messaging through friends).

  • Gather documents, messages, and potential evidence for your attorney.

  • Contact an attorney immediately — OOP hearings move fast.

Even if the allegations are false or exaggerated, violating the order before the hearing can lead to criminal charges, which complicates defense dramatically.

Defending Against an Order of Protection — How We Help

Our firm provides strategic and aggressive defense in all OOP proceedings.
We handle:

  • Contested Order of Protection hearings

  • Cross-petitions when evidence supports it

  • Modification or termination requests

  • Defense against alleged violations of an OOP

  • Guidance on related criminal charges (domestic battery, harassment, stalking, etc.)

Your Defense May Include:

  • Showing inconsistent or false statements

  • Demonstrating lack of credible evidence

  • Exposing ulterior motives (custody disputes, retaliation, property disagreements)

  • Providing evidence of mutual conflict or self-defense

  • Witness testimony contradicting allegations

  • Challenging improper service or procedural defects

Orders of Protection can pass with very little evidence unless challenged — which is why a strong defense is essential.

Accused of Violating an Order of Protection?

Violation of an OOP is a criminal offense in Arkansas.

Penalties may include:

  • Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year in jail + fines

  • Felony charges for repeat violations or if a weapon is involved

  • Mandatory arrest on allegation alone

  • Impact on custody cases

  • Loss of firearm rights

Because these cases are fast-moving, early intervention often prevents criminal escalation.

We immediately evaluate the allegations, contact prosecutors when appropriate, and pursue motions to dismiss if the order was unclear or improperly issued.

Why Choose Wesley Rhodes as Your Order of Protection Defense Lawyer?

  • Focused criminal defense practice — deep experience with domestic-related accusations

  • Extensive hearing and litigation experience in Pulaski, Saline, and Faulkner counties

  • Fast response times — critical in OOP cases

  • Strategic, evidence-driven approach

  • Compassionate, nonjudgmental representation

You get a lawyer who understands both the legal consequences and the personal impact an OOP can have on your family, job, and reputation.

Orders of Protection FAQ

Does an Order of Protection go on my criminal record?

An OOP is a civil order, not a criminal conviction — but it does appear in law-enforcement databases and can affect background checks and gun rights.

What happens if the petitioner contacts me?

You must still follow the order. Only the judge can modify or lift it.

Do I need a lawyer for an OOP hearing?

A lawyer is not required, but OOP hearings function like mini-trials with testimony, cross-examination, and rules of evidence. Representation greatly increases the chance of avoiding a final order.

What if the accusations are false?

You can challenge them at the hearing. Evidence such as messages, witnesses, or inconsistencies can lead to dismissal.

Protect Your Rights — Contact Our Little Rock OOP Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been served with an Order of Protection or accused of violating one, you cannot afford to wait.
Call or fill out our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. We will fight to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.