Source: https://www.uslawshield.com/virginia-what-do-you-mean-i-cant-keep-my-guns-state-law-on-protective-orders/
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 06:29:02+00:00

Document:
One question that our Virginia members often ask our independent program attorneys is what happens to a person’s gun rights if a protective order is issued.
We turned to U.S. Law Shield of Virginia Independent Program Attorneys Riley & Wells for an explanation of the law.
The answer will depend on what type of protective order is entered, and whether the gun rights are affected under federal law or Virginia law. Some jurisdictions call a protective order a restraining order.
Va. Code § 18.2-308.1:4(B) states that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess any firearm while a family abuse “final” or “permanent” protective order is in effect. This is a felony offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $2500 fine. An exception allows for possession of the firearm for up to 24 hours after such protective order is served for purposes of transferring any firearm to a person who can legally possess firearms.
Va. Code § 18.2-308.1:4(A) makes it illegal to purchase or transport any firearm while an emergency protective order, preliminary protective order, protective order and family related protective orders are in effect. This includes orders issued pursuant to Va.
Code § 20-103(B) involving reasonable apprehension of physical harm in divorce, visitation & custody cases; orders entered pursuant to Va. Code § 18.2-60.3 involving stalking; preliminary protective orders entered pursuant to Va. Code § 16.1-253 (F) involving abuse or neglect of a child; and substantially similar orders issued from other states. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2500 fine.
Additionally, any protective order will disqualify an individual from obtaining a concealed handgun permit (Va. Code § 18.2-308.09) and shall also prohibit one from carrying any concealed firearm with a previously issued permit. A previously issued concealed handgun permit shall be surrendered to the court entering the order for the duration of any protective order.
Persons subject to a qualifying protection order under federal law are generally prohibited from transporting, shipping, possessing or receiving any firearms or ammunition according to 18 U.S.C. § 922 (g)(8). A violation can trigger imprisonment of up to 10 years. 18 U.S.C. § 924 (2)(2).
What Should You Do If You Have Firearms and Receive a Protective Order?
In the event you are served with any type of protective order, we recommend a two-step process. First, you should make sure that you comply with applicable laws by neither attempting to purchase, transport nor carry a firearm until you are able to obtain legal counsel. Second, you should meet with an attorney who can advise you as to what specific steps should be taken to ensure you are in compliance with the applicable law. You should discuss all your options, including contesting and/or appealing the issuance of any protective order.
Protective orders are serious and must not be taken lightly. A violation can result in a felony conviction and incarceration.
What exactly is a protective order?
In Virginia, a protective order is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate to protect the health and safety of a person who is alleged to be a victim of any act involving violence, force or threat that results in bodily injury or places that person in fear of death, sexual assault or bodily injury.
1. Hearing: The defendant/respondent received actual notice of the hearing and had an opportunity to participate. A Virginia EPO would not be considered a qualifying protective order under federal law because the defendant/respondent is not permitted to participate in the proceeding.
• The order restrains defendant/respondent from engaging in other conduct that would place the intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child.
• The order, by its terms, explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury.

References: § 18
 § 18
 § 20
 § 18
 § 16
 § 18
 § 922
 § 924