A protective order is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate to protect the health and safety of a person who is alleged to be a victim of any act involving violence, force or threat that results in bodily injury, or places that person in fear of death, sexual assault or bodily injury.
In Virginia, there are three kinds of protective orders that can protect you and others in your family or home:
- Emergency Protective Order – expires at the end of the third day following issuance or the next day court is in session, whichever is later
- Preliminary Protective Order – lasts 15 days or until a full hearing
- Final Protective Order – may last up to 2 years or longer
The sheriff’s office is responsible for serving Preliminary and Final Protective Orders. The police department is responsible for the service of Emergency Protective Orders.
To learn about the process of obtaining a protective order, please visit the General District Court website here, or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court website here.
Please see our frequently asked questions page on protective orders.