What is a protective order?
Protective orders are legal documents 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.

In Virginia, there are 3 kinds of Protective Orders that can protect you and others in your family or home:


Emergency Protective Order (expires at the end of the third day following issuance or the next day court is in session, whichever is later)
Preliminary Protective Order (lasts 15 days or until a full hearing)
Protective Order (may last up to 2 years)

Additional information may be obtained by visiting the website of Virginia's Judical System or by contacting our local courts in Shenandoah County. Keep in mind Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles protective orders involving family or household members and juveniles hereas General District Court, generally speaking, handles all other protective order matters.

General District Court
215 Mill Road, Suite 128
Woodstock, Virginia 22664
(540) 459-6130
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
215 Mill Road, Suite 228
Woodstock, Virginia 22664
(540) 459-6135
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

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1. I am a new resident of Woodstock, what are my responsibilities concerning my driver’s license and my vehicle?
2. Does the Police Department have a house or business security check service for residents going away or who have passed away?
3. How can I get a copy of an accident report?
4. How can I get a copy of a criminal offense report?
5. How can I get a copy of a crimal history?
6. How can I get a copy of my driving record?
7. Can I get fingerprinted for employment or criminal justice reasons?
8. Can I have a vehicle towed from my private property?
9. What do I do if my car is impounded?
10. How do I get my property back from the police department?
11. What is a protective order?
12. How do I apply to become an officer for the Woodstock Police Department?
13. What are the requirements to be an officer for the Woodstock Police Department?
14. What can I expect once I apply to be an officer for the Woodstock Police Department?