Domestic violence allegations can upend your life in an instant. Such an experience can take you through a whirlwind of emotions – confusion, fear, or even anger.
These accusations can result in a protective order, which is no joke. Grasping your rights and obligations is absolutely critical in this situation. By taking the right steps, you can overcome this challenge.
What you need to know about protective orders
Protective orders in Virginia serve to prevent future offenses from taking place. These legal mandates can profoundly affect your daily life, so understanding their scope is crucial:
- Emergency Protective Order: Valid for up to 72 hours, issued even without your presence
- Preliminary Protective Order: Extends up to 15 days, requires a hearing
- Permanent Protective Order: Can last up to two years, involves a full court hearing
These orders often can even come with restrictions that impact your routine. For example, these can:
- Prohibit contact with the protected person
- Require you to avoid certain places
- Temporarily alter child custody or visitation arrangements
- Mandate the surrender of firearms
Grasping these details helps you anticipate what’s ahead. Next, we’ll explore the immediate actions to take when served with a protective order.
Managing a protective order
Upon receiving a protective order, swift and responsible action is can make or break the outcome. Your initial response can significantly shape the outcome of your case, so you should try to:
- Adhere to the order’s terms immediately
- Secure legal representation promptly
- Record all details related to the allegations
- Ready yourself for the hearing by collecting evidence and identifying potential witnesses
Remember, following a protective order doesn’t mean you’re admitting guilt. Compliance shows respect for legal procedures and helps avoid further complications.
Confronting a protective order linked to domestic violence allegations demands serious attention and careful steps. By treading through this process carefully, you can work towards a better outcome.