Potential Consequences from Entry of a Domestic Violence Injunction

Checklist Of Potential Collateral Consequences Resulting From
The Entry Of A Permanent/Final Injunction for Protection

By The Honorable Amy Karan, Miami

This article was reproduced with permission from The Commentator, a publication of the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar. The statements or expressions of opinion within it are those of the author(s), and should not be attributed to The Florida Bar or its Family Law Section.

A. Mandatory Consequences

• It is unlawful for a respondent who has a permanent injunction to possess a firearm and/or ammunition under both state and federal law.

• Violations of a permanent injunction may result in arrest and a charge of a first degree misdemeanor for each violation with a maximum sentence of one year under Florida law. Stalking a person who holds an injunction is a second degree felony. Criminal conviction of violations of injunction may result in deportation if not a United States citizen. Additionally, it may affect application for citizenship if a resident alien.

• Under the full faith and credit clause, permanent injunctions are enforceable in all fifty states.

• Issuance of a permanent injunction may restrict and limit visitation with children. This may include supervised visits at a specified location.

B. Possible Consequences

• May affect employment application or employment status.

• May affect ability to be admitted to school, colleges, and universities

• May affect ability to work in the law enforcement field or any job requiring the use of weapons.

• May affect ability to work in the child care, health care or any other medical-related field.

• May affect entry into military service.

• May affect and hinder the ability to obtain professional licenses.

• May affect ability to obtain, or your status regarding public housing.