**Anyone feeling in need of immediate protection after hours can go to the Magistrate's office (820-3951) at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail (9320 Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg, VA 23185), which is open 24 hours a day, and seek an Emergency Protective Order (EPO)**

 1.    Where can a petitioner file a Family Abuse Protective Order (PO)?

Petitions are filed with the Court Service Unit Intake Officer. Their office is located at 300 Ballard Street, Second Floor, Yorktown (890-3480). The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, petitioners should arrive NO LATER than 3:30 p.m.  An attorney can also file a petition on your behalf. 

2.    What information should the petitioner bring with them to file the PO?

• A picture ID of yourself, which can be a driver's license, work identification tag, or military ID. 
• The name and address of the person from whom you are seeking protection.
• A copy of an Emergency Protective Order if one was issued.
• Name, nicknames, and aliases.
• Home, work, cell phone, and pager numbers.
• Address for home, work, and places frequented.
• Age, height, weight, eye color, hair color, and distinguishing marks.
• Social Security Number.
• Recent photograph of that person.
• Full name and dates of birth of any family members you want included.

3.    How do I contact the Court for more information?

Call the Clerk's Office at (757) 890-3470 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

4.    How do I file a Protective Order against someone that is not a family member or whom I do not live with?

Call the Clerk's Office of General District Court at 757-890-3450 between the hours of 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.

For more information about Protective Orders, please read this pamphlet.