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Important note: Although courts may be closed or accepting limited cases due to COVID-19, there should still be a way to file for a protection order and other emergency relief. See our Frequently Asked Questions Involving Courts and COVID-19, or call your local courthouse for more details.

Legal Information: District of Columbia

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
November 1, 2019

What happens if the respondent violates the order?

If the respondent violates an extreme risk protection order, s/he can be convicted of a crime. If the respondent is convicted, the judge could order the respondent to pay a fine of up to $1,000, go to jail for up to 180 days, or both.

The judge can also order that the respondent not possess, control, purchase, or receive a firearm or ammunition for five years after the date of conviction.1

1 D.C. Code §§ 7-2510.11(b); 22-3571.01

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