§ 20-14-105 Hearings

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§ 20-14-105. Hearings

    Within ten (10) days of the filing of the petition under this chapter or as soon as practical thereafter, but in no case later than thirty (30) days after the filing of the petition, a hearing shall be held on the petition for the injunction. In the event a hearing cannot be scheduled within the county where the case is pending within the thirty-day period, it shall be scheduled and heard as soon as possible. The respondent may file a response that explains, excuses, justifies or denies the alleged unlawful violence or credible threat of violence or may file a cross-complaint under this chapter. At the hearing, the judge shall receive any testimony that is relevant and may make an independent inquiry. If the judge finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent engaged in unlawful violence or made a credible threat of violence, an injunction shall issue prohibiting further unlawful violence or threats of violence at the employee's workplace or while the employee is acting within the course and scope of employment with the employer. An injunction issued pursuant to this chapter shall have a duration of not more than three (3) years. At any time within the three-month period before the expiration of the injunction, the petitioner may apply for a renewal of the injunction by filing a new petition for an injunction pursuant to this chapter.