Our Commitment to Your Legal Needs
Why Choose RWI Law?
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Our firm is committed to making quality legal representation accessible, offering clear communication, transparent processes, and a supportive environment throughout your legal journey.
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We strive for excellence in all we do, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
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With a team of highly skilled attorneys, we bring extensive expertise and a proven track record to effectively handle a wide range of legal matters.
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Our firm is dedicated to providing personalized legal services, ensuring each client receives attention and solutions tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
Overview of Harassment in Minnesota
Under Minnesota law, harassment involves “substantial emotional distress.” The law defines this as “mental distress, mental suffering, or mental anguish.” This type of mental response can be demonstrated in the victim by seeking psychotherapy; losing sleep or appetite; being diagnosed with a mental health problem; having difficulty concentrating, resulting in a loss of productivity; or having suicidal thoughts.
Harassment can include:
- Persistent phone calls, emails, messages, or social media interactions that cause distress
- Stalking with unwanted or repeated surveillance, following, or appearing at the victim’s home, workplace, or other locations
- Direct or indirect threats, including derogatory comments, which instill fear for personal safety
- Any non-consensual physical contact or attempts to cause harm
The critical element of harassment is that the actions are unwelcome and create a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for the target.
The Process of Seeking a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO)
Seeking an HRO involves several steps. As the victim, you must file a petition with the appropriate court detailing the incidents of harassment and providing evidence. A judge will review the petition and may issue a temporary restraining order pending a hearing.
The respondent (the harassing party) must be served with the restraining order and given notice of the hearing. Both parties may be required to attend the hearing, where they can present their cases. Based on the evidence presented, the judge will decide whether to issue a long-term restraining order.
Stories of Client Success and Satisfaction
At RWI Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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My first experience with an attorney was a success! He showed strong confidence and had an impactful closing statement! He was well prepared in the little time we received.- Eddie M.
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I had consulted with Ray and without hesitation, he got our case started. Very professional, and caring towards my specific questions & concerns. He has all of the qualities I was looking for in a confident, professional lawyer.- Brandon R.
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Best lawyer to take your expungement case and any other legal issue you may have. I am so glad to have worked with Rayeed and would not hesitate to engage him or recommend him.- Wuyeh S.
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Working with Ray on my case was an excellent experience. Answered any and all of my questions and concerns with promptness and gave wise counsel throughout the whole time.- Yeej
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I greatly appreciate the help I was provided at RWI Law. They helped me and my family during a very difficult situation and we are sincerely grateful.- John H.
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Ray has been quick with his responses, fairly priced, and moving my case along with urgency. Very knowledgeable. These are all things that a good council must have, in my opinion, and I get them all here!- Jesse M.
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From the 1st day we hired him for a child custody case, he has been very professional and able to answer all of our questions.- Tiffany H.
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Mr. Ibtesam looks for the best interest of his client and makes the right decision at the right time, it was a child protection case and lasted too long but he gave the same effort and care till the last day.- Anonymous
What Provisions Can Be Included in an HRO?
Harassment Protection Orders can include several provisions to protect the petitioner.
These can include:
- Prohibition on contact: Restricting any form of contact by the respondent through any means of communication.
- Stay-away orders: The respondent must maintain a certain distance from the petitioner’s home, workplace, or other specified locations.
- No harassment clause: Explicitly prohibit any behavior perceived as harassing, intimidating, or threatening.
- Temporary custody changes: In cases involving children, temporary custody arrangements or visitation restrictions may be imposed to ensure safety.
Will You Have to Attend a Court Hearing?
In most cases, yes. A court hearing allows both the petitioner and the respondent to present their evidence and testimony. However, in some circumstances, temporary orders can be issued without a hearing if an immediate risk of harm exists. Nonetheless, a subsequent hearing is usually scheduled to decide on a long-term order.
RWI Law Provides Skilled Legal Help in Harassment Cases
We provide comprehensive legal services to help clients secure HROs. We can advise on whether an HRO is appropriate for your situation and help you understand your legal rights. Where an HRO is needed, our team can assist in preparing and filing a thorough petition that clearly outlines the nature of the harassment.
We can represent you during court hearings, presenting evidence and arguments to support your case. Once an HRO has been issued, we offer ongoing support for its enforcement and can help address any violations or legal issues that may arise.
Our team also represents HRO respondents who wish to contest such orders or their provisions. We do this by presenting evidence favorable to you, protecting your rights, and pursuing favorable results.
Reach us online or at (320) 408-2614 to speak with a Minneapolis Harassment Restraining Order attorney today.