Greensboro Domestic Violence Lawyer

Physical violence is never an appropriate response to conflict between family members or romantic partners, and the law reflects that. But accusations of domestic violence carry serious consequences too, and anyone facing them has the right to strong, effective representation. Whether you need protection or a defense, the stakes are high, and the legal process moves fast.

If you’ve been attacked or fear that violence is imminent, call 911. Once your immediate safety is secured, it’s time to think about how to prevent future acts or threats of violence. North Carolina’s legal system offers tools to put distance between parties while a situation stabilizes. These tools work only if you act quickly with the right counsel.

Roupas Law Firm, PLLC has served Greensboro and Guilford County since 2005. Attorney Thomas F. Roupas Jr. has been active in legal practice since 1997, and our team handles both sides of domestic violence matters: helping victims pursue Domestic Violence Protective Orders and representing those who have been accused. That dual experience means one firm can address your protective order, custody, and related family law needs without handoffs to outside counsel.

To speak with an experienced Greensboro domestic violence attorney, give us a call or contact us online today.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 50B, domestic violence means acts of violence, threats, or other specified conduct committed by one person against another with whom they share a personal relationship. It covers a broader range of behavior than many people expect.

Qualifying personal relationships under Chapter 50B include:

• Spouses or former spouses
• Parents and children
• Individuals who are dating or have dated
• Current or former household members
• Individuals with a child in common, whether or not they were ever married

Acts of domestic violence can take many forms, including:

• Physical violence (hitting, slapping, pushing)
• Emotional or psychological abuse (threats, intimidation)
• Sexual abuse or assault
• Economic or financial control
• Stalking or harassment
• Verbal abuse

Persons who don’t share a qualifying personal relationship with the other party may be eligible for a 50C civil no-contact order rather than a 50B DVPO. The distinction matters: which order applies determines what relief a court can grant.

Time Is of the Essence When Violence Is a Possibility

If abuse has already occurred or if you believe it may, it’s never too early to speak with an attorney about your options. North Carolina courts can issue same-day ex parte protective orders when a judge finds imminent danger to the petitioner or a minor child. An ex parte order takes effect once personally served on the respondent by a Guilford County Sheriff’s deputy and remains in force until the scheduled return hearing. Moving quickly can be the difference between staying safe and suffering another incident.

If children are involved, we can also help modify custody arrangements as circumstances require. When children face the risk of violence or are exposed to an aggressive household situation, an emergency custody order can provide immediate protection. Our attorneys can help you seek custody orders, protective orders, and other court orders promptly.

The Domestic Violence Legal Process in Guilford County

Understanding how the process works in Guilford County helps you prepare for what comes next. We guide clients through every stage, from initial consultation through the return hearing and beyond.

1. Initial Consultation: We review your situation and determine the best course of action for your specific circumstances, whether you’re seeking protection or facing accusations.
2. Filing for a DVPO: In Greensboro, 50B petitions are filed through the Clerk of Superior Court at the Guilford County Courthouse. Petitions must be submitted by 12:30 p.m. and are heard before a district court judge that same day at 2 p.m. Petitioners may also file at the Guilford County Family Justice Center, which offers electronic filing for temporary ex parte orders and connects petitioners with victim advocates.
3. Gathering Evidence: Documentation of incidents, photographs, text messages, and witness statements all strengthen a petition or a defense. We help clients understand what to gather and how to present it effectively before the return hearing.
4. Return Hearing: After an ex parte order is served by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office Family Services Unit, both parties appear before a Guilford County District Court Judge, typically within ten days. The judge decides whether to issue a DVPO lasting up to one year.
5. Post-Hearing Steps: Next steps may include enforcing the order, seeking modifications if circumstances change, or defending against a violation allegation. We remain involved through every phase.

Types of Domestic Violence Charges in North Carolina

Domestic violence charges vary depending on the specific conduct alleged. Guilford County prosecutors pursue these cases vigorously and often continue prosecution even when a complainant wants to withdraw. Common criminal charges in North Carolina domestic violence cases include:

• Simple Assault: Simple assault is among the most frequently filed charges in domestic violence cases, applying when a person intentionally causes or threatens harm to another.
• Assault on a Female: A distinct North Carolina offense that applies when a male defendant is accused of assaulting a female. It carries its own charge classification and penalties separate from simple assault.
• Assault Inflicting Serious Injury: Charged when the alleged assault results in significant physical harm. The severity of injury is a key factor in how the offense is classified and prosecuted.
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon: Charged when an alleged assault involves a weapon, whether or not serious injury results. Depending on the circumstances, this offense can be elevated to a felony.
• Communicating Threats: Charged when a person allegedly threatens to physically injure another in a way that causes the recipient to reasonably believe the threat will be carried out.
• Stalking: Repeated and unwanted conduct that causes the victim to feel threatened or harassed. Stalking is typically a Class A1 misdemeanor in North Carolina but can be elevated to a felony, including when the conduct occurs while a court order prohibiting it is already in place or when the defendant has a prior stalking conviction.
• Child Abuse or Endangerment: When children are exposed to or harmed by domestic violence, charges may include child abuse or child endangerment.
• Sexual Assault: Domestic violence cases may involve sexual assault allegations when a partner is accused of forcing sexual acts without consent.

If you’re facing false accusations or acted in self-defense, our attorneys can review every detail of your case, identify viable defense strategies, and protect your rights at each stage of the legal process.

Potential Consequences of a Domestic Violence Conviction

A domestic violence conviction in North Carolina can carry consequences well beyond the courtroom. On the criminal side, courts may impose jail time, fines, probation, and mandatory counseling or anger management programs. A DVPO or conviction can also result in the loss of the right to possess firearms under both state and federal law.

Family law consequences can be equally serious. Active protective orders and domestic violence convictions can affect custody and visitation rights, sometimes resulting in supervised visitation or, in severe cases, termination of parental rights. Beyond the legal system, a conviction may damage employment prospects, professional licensing, housing applications, and community reputation. For non-US citizens, a domestic violence conviction may also trigger immigration consequences, including deportation proceedings.

Why Greensboro Residents Retain Roupas Law Firm, PLLC for Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence cases carry both civil and criminal dimensions. An attorney who handles only the protective order side can miss strategic considerations on the criminal charge side, and vice versa. Our practice spans family law and criminal defense, which means we can address both the 50B proceeding and any related criminal charges without you coordinating between separate firms.

What clients working with us can expect:

• A firm that has practiced family law in Greensboro since 2005
• Attorney Thomas F. Roupas Jr., active in legal practice since 1997, bringing more than two decades of experience to domestic violence and family law matters
• A team approach that puts multiple attorneys and staff on a case to ensure thorough preparation and no overlooked detail
• Representation across Guilford, Alamance, Rockingham, Randolph, and Forsyth counties, as well as statewide
• Personalized attention in sensitive cases where trust between client and attorney matters

To find out more, contact us online or call us at (336) 850-5525 to schedule a consultation.