A temporary protective order (TPO) in Georgia is a civil court order providing protection to an individual until a full and fair court hearing can be held. The TPO is in place for a short time – typically 30 days or less, and is considered minimally intrusive on civil liberties. Violations of a TPO can trigger criminal charges, fines and jail time. Your attorney is not present in the judge’s chambers or courtroom for the initial application, but they can help you prepare and accompany you to the courthouse. It is strongly advised that you have a lawyer for the full evidentiary hearing on your petition for a TPO.
In this video, Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis go into detail on the process of obtaining a TPO and defending against a TPO, and discuss what types of relationships and acts are covered under the statutes.