Hampton, VA asked in Criminal Law for Virginia

Q: Can I get a restraining order on my ex's girlfriend?

I blocked her on FB after she insulted me so she couldn't speak to me anymore. She found my address on my ex's old mail, went to my house and left a non threatening note on my car. I thought she wanted to have a civil conversation, so I unblocked her, spoke to her on FB, but realized she just wanted to be rude and insulting some more, so I blocked her again and asked her not to speak to me, bother me, or come to my house anymore. Since then, she has been making FB posts about me (my name included) meant to embarrass me, and a lot of my friends and coworkers have seen them. Today she showed up to my work building to talk, asking me and several other people to let her into the building. Is this grounds for a restraining order? She hasn't said anything threatening to me, but I am concerned that she might try to get physical if she has the opportunity. It's also obviously very stressful for me just to have to deal with this in the first place.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Daniel P Leavitt
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Midlothian, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: In my experience restraining orders are granted or denied based on individual judges but they tend to focus on the threat. I don't think most of the judges I am in front of would grant a restraining order under these circumstances but if you feel threatened then you should seek advice from a local attorney where this is happening to see what they recommend as it may be different where you live.

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