Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

How can you request an Emergency Protective Order (EPO)?

1. By mail to the court

2. Via telephone or in person to a judge or magistrate

3. Through an online application

4. Only in emergency situations

The correct answer is: Via telephone or in person to a judge or magistrate

Requesting an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) can be effectively done through a judge or magistrate, either in person or via telephone. This process generally requires immediate interactions because EPOs are designed to provide urgent relief in situations where a person may be in danger or facing imminent harm. The promptness of the situation necessitates that individuals seeking protection can directly communicate their circumstances to judicial authority, allowing for quicker issuance of the order if deemed necessary. While other options may sound plausible, they typically do not align with the immediate and urgent nature of EPO requests. For example, submitting a request by mail may lead to delays that are unsuitable in emergency contexts. Similarly, online applications might not be a viable option in all jurisdictions, and relying solely on emergency situations does not cover the full scope of the process available to individuals facing threats of harm. The direct approach to a judge or magistrate ensures that the response is swift and appropriately addresses the urgency of the situation.