Hagar and Phillips - What Happens If Someone Files an Order of Protection Against You in Wilson County?

What Happens If Someone Files an Order of Protection Against You in Wilson County?

An order of protection can change your life quickly, even before a criminal case is filed. In Tennessee, an order of protection is a civil court order, but it can create serious consequences right away if someone accuses you of abuse, threats, stalking, or sexual assault.

If a petition is filed in Wilson County, the court may issue a temporary order first and then schedule a hearing. That means you may be required to stay away from the person who filed the petition, stop contact, and follow other restrictions while the case is pending. If you ignore the order, the consequences can become much worse.

Even though the order itself is civil, violating it can lead to criminal charges. Tennessee law treats violation of an order of protection as a criminal offense, and police may arrest a person without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe the order was violated. A violation can also lead to contempt findings, fines, jail time, and an extension of the order.

An order of protection can also affect family and daily life. If there are children involved, the order may overlap with custody or divorce issues. It may also affect your ability to have firearms, depending on the type of order entered by the court.

If someone files an order of protection against you, the most important thing is to take it seriously and respond quickly. Do not contact the petitioner, do not assume the issue will go away, and do not miss your hearing. These cases move fast, and what happens early can shape the rest of the matter.

At Hagar & Phillips, we help clients in Wilson County understand what an order of protection means and what steps to take next. If you have been served with one, our team can help you protect your rights and prepare your response.

If an order of protection has been filed against you, contact Hagar & Phillips today at 615‑784‑4588 to schedule a confidential consultation.

This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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