West Virginia Protective Orders Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated October 26, 2017
Domestic violence is no longer treated as simply a family problem. Abusers who hurt and control their current or former family or household members can go to jail for any crimes they commit, like assault or rape. In addition, the victims can request a protection order to help prevent abuse.
What’s a Protection Order?
A protection order is a tool to prevent domestic violence. In the literal sense, a protection order is a piece of paper. However, it’s also a court order that provides the protected individual(s) the ability to call the police if the abuser violates the order. The abuser can then be arrested, possibly conviction of violating the protection order or stalking, and maybe even be sent to jail.
The following table outlines the main protection order laws in West Virginia.
| Code Sections | West Virginia Code Chapter 48, Article 27: Prevention and Treatment of Domestic Violence |
| Activity Addressed by Order | A protection order can include any of the following provisions:
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| Who Can Apply for a Protection Order? | A person can apply for himself or herself, an adult family or household member can apply for a minor child or physically or mentally incapacitated incapacitated person who’s unable to file, or a witness to domestic violence who’s been abused or threatened for reporting the abuse. |
| Duration of Order | The final protective order is good for 90 or 180 days, but can be extended for another 90 days if needed. A protection order can last one year for any of these aggravating factors:
Protection orders can also be extended for longer periods if violated or the victim(s) safety requires. |
| Penalty for a Violation of Order | Violating a protection order is a misdemeanor punished by at least one day and at most one year in jail and a fine of $250 to $2,000. |
| Fee Waiver | Yes, if you’re granted a protection order, you won’t be charged for filing, serving, copying, or other items associated with the protection order. However, if you’re not found to be a victim of domestic violence, you’ll have to pay. |
| Order Transmission to Law Enforcement | A copy of the order is given to the city, county, or state police within 24 hours. |
| Civil Liability for Violation of Order | Yes, you can be charged with civil contempt or contempt of court for violating a protection order. |
Help for Victims
If your intimate partner or a family member is hurting you, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or a local resource. If you want help getting a protection order, contact an experienced West Virginia family law attorney or local legal aid organization.
Help for Accused Abusers
If someone is trying to get a protection order from you, you should contact a family law attorney and show the lawyer any papers you’ve been served. You could also need an experienced local criminal defense lawyer if you violate a protection order.
Note: State laws are revised regularly. You should contact a lawyer or conduct your own legal research to verify these stalking laws.
Research the Law
Related Resources
- Learn About Domestic Violence
- West Virginia Judiciary: Domestic Violence Brochure
- West Virginia Legal Requirements for Divorce
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.