Manassas, VA criminal defense attorney Lili R. O’Connell talks about the potential consequences of having a protective order issued against you. She emphasizes that protective orders are civil in nature, meaning they are not criminal charges and do not result in immediate jail time. However, she emphasizes that the consequences of having a protective order issued against an individual can be significant. For instance, it can restrict the ability to possess firearms, whether for work or personal use, and the individual’s name is added to a public registry accessible to anyone.

She notes that violating a protective order transforms the matter into a criminal offense, which can result in immediate incarceration. Although protective orders are civil, she stresses that they are serious legal matters. She advises that anyone facing the possibility of a protective order should retain an experienced attorney to safeguard their interests and, where possible, prevent the order from being entered.