Restraining Orders

Restraining Order Lawyer in Honolulu

Fighting for the Accused in Cases Across Oʻahu

On Oʻahu, a temporary restraining order (TRO) or a long-term protective order is a serious legal mechanism. While these orders are designed to protect legitimate victims of harassment or domestic violence, they are frequently weaponized.

It is common to file a false or highly exaggerated petition for a restraining order to exact revenge, gain a strategic advantage in a high-stakes child custody battle, or force a co-parent or partner out of a shared home. 

The moment you are served with a TRO, your day-to-day life is completely upended. You cannot simply ignore it or try to explain your side to the other party, as any contact constitutes a criminal offense. 

To protect your parental rights, professional reputation, and personal freedom, you need a proactive, trial-prepared attorney who knows how to deconstruct false allegations. Law Office of Brian S. Kim defends residents and visitors across Honolulu, Pearl City, Waimalu, East Honolulu, and all of Oʻahu against unjust restraining orders.

Schedule a free initial in-office or virtual consultation with a Honolulu restraining order attorney at our firm by reaching us online or at (808) 207-7192. Available 24/7.

The Advantages of Having Our Honolulu Restraining Order Lawyer

Navigating a highly emotional restraining order hearing requires a practical approach from a lawyer who knows how the courts function. Attorney Kim’s background as a former Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor gives you an invaluable edge: we know exactly how the police investigate domestic allegations, what types of evidence judges find credible, and how to shut down retaliatory legal maneuvers effectively.

If you have been served with a TRO, don’t wait for the 15-day clock to run out. Let’s look at the facts of your situation and build a strategy to protect your record, your family, and your freedom. 

Call (808) 207-7192 or message us online to request a complimentary case evaluation about your restraining order case today. 

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    “We’re incredibly thankful to Lawyer Brian Kim for the amazing job he did representing our son.”
    - Satisfied Client
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Why Choose Law Office of Brian S. Kim?

  • Free Initial Consultation
    Get clear answers about your legal options at no cost. Speak directly with an experienced defense attorney and learn how we can help protect your future.
  • Former Prosecutor Advantage
    Benefit from the unique insight of attorney Brian S. Kim, a former Honolulu deputy prosecuting attorney who understands how prosecutors build cases and how to challenge them effectively.
  • Dedicated Criminal & DUI Defense
    Whether you're facing DUI, drug charges, assault allegations, theft accusations, or other criminal offenses, we fight aggressively to protect your rights and future.
  • Traffic Ticket & License Protection
    From speeding and reckless driving citations to serious traffic violations, we work to minimize penalties and help you keep your driving privileges.

Defending Our Clients in Restraining Order Cases

We treat a restraining order hearing with the same high level of urgency as a criminal trial, systematically exposing inconsistencies to protect your name.

Gathering critical counter-evidence: Because TROs are often filed reactively, we launch an immediate investigation to preserve evidence that tells the true story. We audit text message threads, social media exchanges, phone records, and email timelines to prove context, expose ulterior motives, or highlight complete fabrications.

Exposing the truth in court: The formal injunction hearing is your only chance to clear your name. We deploy over 20 years of professional experience to cross-examine the petitioner, expose holes in their testimony, and present our counter-evidence directly to the judge to prevent the order from being extended.

Navigating parallel criminal allegations: If your restraining order is tied to pending misdemeanor or felony charges, such as domestic abuse or assault, we manage both cases concurrently. Our goal is that nothing said or done during your civil family court hearing inadvertently compromises your criminal defense profile.

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The Harsh Impact of an Active Restraining Order

Allowing a TRO to become a multi-year injunction carries severe collateral consequences that extend far beyond a basic "stay-away" directive.

Eviction and housing displacement: If you share a home or apartment with the petitioner, you can be forced out of your own residence immediately, regardless of whose name is on the deed or lease.

Loss of child custody and visitation: Family court judges heavily weigh protective orders. An active order can instantly strip away joint custody and limit you to restrictive, supervised visitation. 

Employment and workplace restrictions: If the petitioner is a co-worker, an active order may legally ban you from entering your own workplace, leading to immediate termination. 

Surrender of firearms: Federal and state laws mandate that anyone subject to a protective order must immediately surrender all firearms and ammunition to local law enforcement, nullifying your Second Amendment rights.

Furthermore, under HRS § 586-11, any intentional violation of a restraining order, even a simple text message, email, or a third-party phone call saying, "I'm sorry," is prosecuted as a criminal misdemeanor. 

A first conviction carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 48 hours and a fine of up to $500, while a second violation triggers a mandatory minimum of 30 days behind bars.