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. It is strongly advised that you have a lawyer for the full evidentiary hearing on your petition for a TPO. 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.
In this video, Steve Shewmaker and Alexa Lewis discuss what happens in a TPO and relate stories about several entertaining and eye-opening TPO hearings they’ve been involved in.