Union County Domestic Violence Defense & Protective Order Attorneys

Facing domestic violence allegations can turn your entire life upside down in an instant, creating immense strain on your family, your living situation, and your peace of mind. During such an overwhelming time, knowing where to turn for guidance can make all the difference. 

At Jetton & Meredith, PLLC, our attorneys provide legal support for individuals navigating domestic violence matters throughout Monroe, Waxhaw, Indian Trail, and across Union County. We offer objective, steady counsel to help clients resolve sensitive disputes effectively.

Whether you are dealing with criminal charges or a civil Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO / 50B), we are here to support you with compassion, care, and steady legal representation.

Schedule a consultation with our team on weekends, in the evenings, or today. We’re ready to hear your story and create an aggressive defense. 

Proven Union County Domestic Violence Case Results & Victories

Navigating domestic allegations requires addressing both civil protective order hearings and criminal court claims. 

Below are examples of real domestic violence cases our firm has successfully resolved in court:

• Snowstorm Incident Domestic Violence Trial – Secured a not guilty verdict at trial for a client facing domestic violence charges following a heated dispute at home.
• Stalking & Property Damage in Custody Dispute – Obtained a complete dismissal of civil stalking and injury to real property allegations filed during a contentious divorce and child custody battle.
• Jury Trial on Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Defended a client against domestic assault charges where prosecutors argued a pet was used as a deadly weapon, resulting in a full jury acquittal.

Understanding Civil Protective Orders vs. Criminal Charges in North Carolina

Domestic violence matters in North Carolina generally fall into two distinct legal tracks—civil and criminal. Understanding the differences between these proceedings is vital, as they carry different standards of proof, court procedures, and long-term consequences.

Civil Protective Orders (50B / 50C)

• Governed By – North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 50B (domestic relationships) and Chapter 50C (stalking/non-related parties).
• Standard of Proof – Preponderance of the evidence ("more likely than not").
• Potential Impact – Immediate no-contact orders, temporary child custody terms, exclusion from the shared home, and mandatory surrender of firearms.

Criminal Domestic Violence Charges

• Governed By – North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 14 (assault, communicating threats, injury to property).
• Standard of Proof – Beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Potential Impact – Permanent criminal record, probation, mandatory abuser treatment programs, fines, and potential active jail time.

Domestic Violence Protective Orders (50B / 50C)

A 50B protective order is a civil remedy available to individuals with a specific personal relationship to the defendant (spouses, former spouses, parents of a shared child, or current/former household members). A 50C order applies to non-related parties involving stalking or sexual assault.

How the 50B Process Works in Union County

• Ex Parte Hearing – A judge may issue an immediate, temporary emergency order without the defendant present if they find immediate danger exists.
• Ten-Day Hearing – A full court hearing is scheduled within 10 days at the Union County Judicial Center, where both parties present evidence, witness testimony, and documentation.
• Final Ruling – If granted, a full 50B order can last up to one year and may be renewed upon request. If the plaintiff fails to meet the legal burden of proof, the temporary order is dissolved, and the case is dismissed.

Criminal Assault & Domestic Violence Charges

When law enforcement responds to a domestic disturbance call in Union County, state protocol often mandates an arrest if officers find probable cause that an assault or threat occurred.

Common criminal charges tied to domestic incidents include:

• Simple Assault/Assault on a Female – Misdemeanor offenses involving physical force or attempted force.
• Assault by Strangulation – A Class H felony charge involving restriction of breathing or blood flow.
• Communicating Threats & Stalking – Allegations involving oral, written, or electronic threats of physical harm.
• Interference with Emergency Communications – Preventing someone from calling 911 during an incident.

The 48-Hour Hold Rule

Under North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 15A-534.1), an individual arrested on domestic violence charges cannot immediately post a bond set by a magistrate. Instead, the defendant must be held for up to 48 hours until a District Court judge sets specific conditions of release, which often include strict "no-contact" orders.

Local Court Information in Union County

Domestic violence court sessions for both civil protective orders and criminal charges take place at the main judicial center in Monroe:

• Union County Judicial Center, 400 N. Main Street, Monroe, NC 28112
• Union County Magistrate's Office, 3344 Presson Road, Monroe, NC 28112