Know the Laws: Virginia
UPDATED October 2, 2012
A protective order is a legal order issued by a state court which requires one person to stop harming another. In Virginia, there are protective orders for family abuse and protective orders for an act of violence, force, or threat, which are explained below.
- Overview of Civil vs. Criminal Law
Some restraining orders are issued in criminal court and some are issued in civil court.
- Protective Orders for Family Abuse
A civil order that protects you from abuse by someone you have had an intimate relationship with or a relative.
- Protective Orders for an Act of Violence, Force, or Threat
A civil order based on an act of violence, force, or threat committed by anyone, regardless of the relationship to the victim.
- Moving to another State with a Protective Order
Your VA protection order can be enforceable in another state
- Enforcing your Out-of-State Order in VA
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.