FAIRFAX COUNTY PROTECTIVE ORDER ATTORNEY

Senior Attorney, Lili R. O’Connell explains what to do when a protective order has been violated in Virginia.

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Understanding Protective Orders, Violations, and Your Rights in Northern Virginia

Filing a Protective Order in Fairfax County or anywhere in Northern Virginia is taken very seriously. Protective orders are meant to create space, safety, and boundaries. In real life, though, protective orders often come with confusion, fear, and a lot of what-ifs. Whether you are the one filing or you have just learned an order has been put in place against you, it is important to understand that both parties are required to abide by the order.

This page addresses the questions we hear most often and gives you a clear understanding of what to expect if a protective order is now part of your life. If you are in need of guidance, contact our Protective Order legal team for support.

What Happens When a Protective Order Is in Place

Once the court issues a protective order, the rules are strict. The respondent must avoid all contact unless the order specifically allows something limited, such as child exchanges.

Typical requirements include:

  • No communication of any kind

  • Staying away from the protected person’s home, work, and school

  • No indirect contact through friends or social media

  • Following any temporary child-related terms

Fairfax County courts expect these boundaries to be followed exactly as written. Even accidental or brief contact can lead to problems if not handled correctly.

Responsibilities of Both Parties

A protective order is not a one-sided set of guidelines. While only the respondent can be charged with violating the order, both parties are expected to avoid communication.

That means:

  • The protected person should not reach out and try to reopen communication.

  • The respondent cannot respond even if they receive messages, calls, or requests to reconcile.

  • Screenshots and call logs should be saved if one party continues reaching out.

The law may feel unfair, but respecting the order protects you from criminal consequences and strengthens your position for future hearings.

What If a Protective Order Was Unjustly Issued

Protective orders can be granted quickly based on one person’s statements. Sometimes the allegations are exaggerated or simply untrue.

If you believe the order was issued unfairly:

  1. Follow the order.

  2. Gather messages, timelines, and any evidence that contradicts the claims.

  3. Prepare for the full hearing where you can present your side.

  4. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Preliminary orders are not permanent. Many are dismissed once both sides testify and the actual facts are presented.

What Happens If Either Party Violates the Order

If the Respondent Violates the Order

A violation in Fairfax County becomes a separate criminal charge. Even a single text message or returned call is enough to trigger an arrest.

Penalties can include:

  • Up to 12 months in jail

  • Fines up to 2,500 dollars

  • Mandatory minimum jail time for repeat or violent violations

  • Felony charges for certain types of violations

A violation can also affect custody, employment, and the ability to modify or remove the order later.

If the Protected Person Violates the Order

The protected person is not charged with violating the order, but their actions can still matter. If they keep reaching out:

  • Do not respond

  • Save all messages

  • Speak with an attorney

  • Consider whether their conduct may support dissolving or modifying the order

In some cases, repeated contact by the protected person becomes crucial evidence.

Can the Person the Order Is Filed Against Seek Their Own Order

Yes. If the respondent genuinely feels threatened or unsafe, they can file their own protective order. This happens in situations where:

  • Both parties feel harassed

  • The protected person continues contacting or showing up

  • The original order was based on false information

  • The conflict is mutual and escalating

Whether filing your own order is the right strategy depends on the circumstances. Sometimes it strengthens your position. Other times the better approach is using the other party’s conduct as evidence to challenge the existing order.

Respecting a Protective Order Even When It Feels Unfair

Protective orders can feel heavy and one sided. Many clients feel misunderstood or blindsided. That frustration is real, but following the order is essential. Violating it only makes your situation harder to fix.

Respecting the order does not mean you agree with it. It means you are protecting yourself while your attorney works toward a better outcome.

Protective Orders in Fairfax County: What to Expect

Fairfax County handles a large number of protective order cases, including emergency, preliminary, and full protective orders. Each type has different requirements and timelines, but all are taken seriously by the court.

Hearings move quickly, and having representation early can make a noticeable difference in how your case unfolds.

Attorney Lili R. O’Connell and Her Work with Protective Orders

Attorney Lili R. O’Connell handles protective orders from every angle. She represents clients who need protection and those who believe an order was filed unfairly or in retaliation. She is known for her calm approach, practical guidance, and ability to cut through emotional situations to focus on the facts that matter in court.

Whether you are seeking protection or defending yourself against allegations, she helps you understand your rights and your best next step.

Should You Fight a Protective Order

You can challenge a protective order, but whether you should depends on your situation. Many people choose to fight when:

  • The allegations are false

  • The order affects parenting time

  • The order impacts employment or housing

  • The order limits where they can go or who they can see

Your attorney can help you decide whether contesting, modifying, or allowing the order to expire is the smartest path forward. The goal is always to protect your long-term interests.

If You Need Help Now

Protective orders move quickly in Fairfax County. If an order is in place or you believe a violation may be alleged, it is important to act before the situation escalates.

Battlefield Law Group represents individuals throughout Fairfax, Prince William, Loudoun, and Northern Virginia in protective order cases. If you need clarity or a strategy for your next hearing, we are here to help.  CONTACT US

Where Do You File a Protective Order in Fairfax County

Where you file depends on your relationship with the other person.

If the case involves a family or household member

You file your protective order request at the:

Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (J&DR Court)
 4110 Chain Bridge Road
 Fairfax, VA 22030

This covers situations involving:

  • Spouses or former spouses

  • People who share a child

  • People who currently or previously lived together

  • Immediate family members

If the case does not involve a family or household member

You file in the:

Fairfax County General District Court
 4110 Chain Bridge Road
 Fairfax, VA 22030

This applies to:

  • Neighbors

  • Roommates who never had a romantic or familial relationship

  • Co-workers

  • Acquaintances

  • Anyone who does not meet the family or household definition

Emergency Protective Orders

If you need immediate protection outside court hours or after a police response, a magistrate can issue an Emergency Protective Order at the:

Fairfax County Adult Detention Center Magistrate’s Office
 10459 Judicial Drive
 Fairfax, VA 22030

Police can also help you reach a magistrate directly.

Important Note for Clients

Filing locations matter because they determine:

  • Which judge will hear your case

  • Which court procedures apply

  • What type of order you can request

If you are unsure where your situation fits, our attorneys can help you determine the correct filing court before you go.