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CODA's legal staff consists of an attorney and a court advocate. They work closely with clients to inform them of their rights. In addition they interact with law enforcement and the court system to improve treatment of victims of domestic violence.

If you believe you may be in an abusive situation, be pro-active! Find out what are the proper procedures to protect yourself, your children and your property. Being prepared can help you deal with the many ramifications of abuse and possible separation. CODA's legal team can:

 ...give you information about SC laws and what to expect when you enter the legal system

...obtain copies of police reports and alert you to times and dates of bond hearings

...help you to prepare for and accompany you to bond hearings and court sessions

...help you obtain a “No Contact Order” or an "Order of Protection"

...work with local victims’ advocates and law enforcement on your behalf

...give you 911-ready cell phones

...help you file for victim’s compensation funds.

Orders of Protection are issued by Family Court Judges to people who have been assaulted and/or threatened with violence and believe the threat may be carried out.

An Order of Protection dictates that the aubser have no contact with the victim. It may also award temporary child custody, support and/or possession of the family home.

Orders of Protection are usually in force from six months to a year.

No Contact Orders are issued in Magistrate's or Municipal courts and, like Orders of Protection, prohibit the abuser from physical, verbal or written contact with the victim at her home or workplace.

No Contact Orders only remain in effect between the bond hearing and the criminal domestic violence hearing.

Violation of either order can result in immediate arrest.

...when a criminal domestic violence (cdv) arrest is made, a bond hearing is held within 24 hours and you should be at the hearing because magistrates who do not see the victim at the hearing often release the offender on his own recongnizance?

...if you attend the bond hearing, you can speak privately to the magistrate prior to the hearing and request that he issue a No Contact Order that will stand until the cdv hearing?

...if police were called to your home for cdv but did not arrest the abuser, you can ask a magistrate to issue an arrest warrant and a No Contact Order?

...CODA will accompany you to all court proceedings and prepare necessary documentation to secure Orders of Protection, No Contact Orders or other procedures?