Know the Laws: Virginia
UPDATED September 11, 2009
A restraining order or protective order is a legal order issued by a state court which requires one person to stop harming another. In Virginia, there are several types of orders explained below.
Some restraining orders are issued in criminal court and some are issued in civil court.
A civil order that protects you from abuse by someone you have had an intimate relationship with or a relative.
A protective order that can be issued only after the arrest of the stalker or abuser.
Your VA protection order can be enforceable in another state
If you are planning to move to VA or are going to be in VA for any reason, your protection or restraining order can be enforced.