Restraining Order Lawyer in Virginia

Former Prosecutors & Public Defenders Representing Both Sides of Protective Order Cases

Protective orders, also called “restraining orders,” are commonly issued in domestic violence cases, but they also arise in stalking, harassment, and threat situations between people without a family relationship. These orders prohibit contact with the protected person, may require the respondent to vacate a shared residence, and carry criminal consequences for any violation. They can reshape custody arrangements, restrict firearm rights, and affect security clearances, all before a full hearing takes place.

Whether you’ve been served with a protective order or you need one to protect yourself and your children, the stakes are high from day one.

At King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell, we represent both sides of these matters.

• Protective Order Defense: We defend individuals accused of domestic violence in protective order hearings.
• Protective Orders for Victims: We also represent individuals who need protective orders to help protect their safety and that of their children.

If you need legal help with a protective order matter, contact our team to discuss your situation.

Virginia’s Three Types of Protective Orders

Virginia law establishes three protective orders, each with its own standard, duration, and conditions. Understanding how they work is the first step in knowing what you’re facing, or what you can seek.

Emergency Protective Orders

An emergency protective order (EPO) is issued ex parte, meaning the judge or magistrate hears only one side before deciding. It requires only a showing of probable cause, often arising at the time of a domestic violence arrest. EPOs typically prohibit contact, require the respondent to leave the shared residence, and grant temporary child custody to the petitioner. They expire at the end of the third day after issuance or at the close of the next court day if issued on a non-court day.

The respondent also loses the right to carry firearms, and the EPO can affect security clearances, a consequence that matters significantly for certain types of employment.

Preliminary Protective Orders

A preliminary protective order (PPO) is the next step. Issued by a judge ex parte on a showing of immediate and present danger or recent family abuse, it remains in effect for up to 15 days, at which point a full hearing must be held. That 15-day window is short, whether you’re building a petitioner’s case or preparing a defense.

Final Protective Orders

A final protective order follows a full hearing at which both parties may present evidence and testimony. These orders can last up to two years and may be extended for additional two-year periods with no cap on extensions.

Additional conditions a final order may include:

• Exclusive possession of the shared residence or alternative housing with utilities
• Temporary child custody and child support
• Possession of a shared vehicle
• Possession of a shared pet
• Use of a shared cell phone
• Any other relief the court deems necessary

Final protective orders are enforceable nationwide under the Full Faith and Credit clause.

Protective Order Cases in Alexandria

Family abuse protective orders in the City of Alexandria are filed in the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (JDR Court), located at the Franklin P. Backus Courthouse on King Street. The JDR Court is a court not of record: a judge decides all cases without a jury. A final protective order entered there may be appealed to the Circuit Court for the City of Alexandria, which conducts an entirely new trial as a court of record.

Adult protective order hearings in Alexandria JDR Court are scheduled at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Ex parte hearings are held at 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no filing fee for a family abuse protective order. The 15-day window between a PPO and the full hearing leaves little time to prepare, and individual judges in Alexandria JDR Court have their own expectations for how evidence is presented and hearings are conducted. Our attorneys have appeared before that court and understand how to prepare for it.

If you’re searching for a restraining order attorney in Alexandria or anywhere in Northern Virginia, King, Campbell, Poretz, and Mitchell represents both petitioners seeking protection and respondents contesting orders. Our team includes attorneys with former prosecutor and public defender backgrounds and over 100 combined years of experience across Virginia state and federal courts.