Protective Orders
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
There are 3 types of domestic violence protective orders:- Emergency
- Permanent
- Preliminary
An Emergency Protective Order (up to 72 hours) can be issued by a magistrate. (If a warrant is issued for assault and battery against a family or household member and the magistrate finds there is probable danger of further acts of family abuse by the defendant, the magistrate is directed to issue an emergency protective order.
Preliminary & Permanent
Preliminary (can last for up to 2 weeks) and Permanent (up to 2 years) Protective Orders must be issued by a judge. You must contact an Intake Officer in person to obtain a domestic violence protective order. The Intake Officer is located at:
District Courts Building
111 Ennis Street
2nd Floor
Bowling Green, VA 22427
The Intake Officer can assist you in filling out a petition form and arranging for you to appear before a judge. Only the judge may issue the order of protection. It is best to go to the Intake Office when it opens at 8:30 am. A victim advocate can assist you in this process. Please call us at 804-633-8037 for more information.
More Information
You must have an address of the person you are filing against. Please note: it doesn't have to be a home address it may be a work location. If you have any questions, you can contact Caroline Victim/Witness at 804-633-8037 or the Intake Office at 804-633-9340. If you have an emergency, dial 911.Note: It is a felony for any person who is the subject of a protective order to purchase or transport any firearm while the protective order is in effect.
Stalking/Serious Bodily Injury Protective Orders
There are 3 types of Stalking/ Serious Injury Protective orders:- Emergency
- Permanent
- Preliminary
An Emergency Protective Order (up to 72 hours) can be issued by a magistrate. For a Stalking Protective Order there must be a stalking warrant.
Preliminary & Permanent
Preliminary (can last for up to 2 weeks) and Permanent (up to 2 years) Protective Orders must be issued by a judge. You must contact an Intake Officer in person to obtain a domestic violence protective order. The Intake Officer is located at:
District Courts Building
111 Ennis Street
2nd Floor
Bowling Green, VA 22427
The Intake Officer can assist you in filling out a petition form and arranging for you to appear before a judge. Only the judge may issue the order of protection. It is best to go to the Intake Office when it opens at 8:30 am.
If the protective order is against an adult you will need to speak with the clerk of the General District Court, they can be reached at 804-633-5720. General District Court is located on the 1st floor of the District Courts Building, 111 Ennis Street. A victim advocate can assist you in this process. Please call us at 804-633-8037.
More Information
Please view the Stalking/Serious Bodily Injury Protective Order Brochure for more information.Note: It is a felony for any person who is the subject of a protective order to purchase or transport any firearm while the protective order is in effect.