Injunctions, commonly called restraining orders, can be a very scary, but also very serious, area of law. Injunctions can be entered for domestic violence, repeat violence, stalking, or sexual violence. While similar in nature, each type of injunction has a distinct set of elements, or facts, that must be proven to the Court before a permanent injunction is entered. There are also many defenses to any allegations that an injunction should be issued. This area of law also progresses through the court system much quicker than the other types of family law, and an initial hearing is typically scheduled within two weeks of the filing of the case. At this hearing, it is possible that the Court will use the time for a full and final trial, where a final decision may be made regarding a permanent injunction. It is also possible that this hearing will be brief, and that your case will be continued to a date weeks or months into the future. This may be beneficial if there are witnesses or evidence that needs to be gathered, investigative work that need to be completed, or a pending criminal case that needs to be resolved before the domestic violence matter can be resolved. It is also possible to continue a case so that attorneys have time to properly prepare for the final hearing, or trial. Injunctions can impact background checks, security clearances, and employment. Any violations of an injunction can be filed as a misdemeanor, resulting in the accused being held in jail for the crime of Violation of a Domestic Violence Injunction.