Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) & Orders (DVPOs)

Why choose our criminal defence solicitors?

For over 45 years, our criminal defence solicitors have been providing expert legal advice across a wide range of cases, including those involving Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs).

We have a deep understanding of the complexity of these cases, how they are handled by the authorities, and the evidence the police may use to support their actions.

A DVPN or DVPO can include restrictions on your ability to return to your home or contact certain individuals, potentially affecting your family life and reputation.

Breaching these orders can result in penalties, including fines or imprisonment. It is crucial that you receive legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances and the details of your case.

If you are facing a DVPN, DVPO, or allegations related to domestic violence, you can trust our experienced team to provide expert legal advice and representation.

We are proud to hold the Law Society’s accreditation for Criminal Litigation, demonstrating our skill and commitment in handling criminal law matters, and our Lexcel accreditation, which highlights our consistently high standards of legal practice.

Our criminal defence expertise

Representation at police stations

If you are questioned at a police station in relation to an allegation of domestic violence, anything you say or do can be used as evidence against you in court. This makes it essential to obtain expert legal advice and representation as soon as possible.

If you receive quality representation at the interview stage, our solicitors may be able to assist before a DPVN is issued.

Our team of experienced police station solicitors and representatives are available 24/7 to provide quick and effective guidance, ensuring your rights are protected and that you understand the implications of the investigation process.

Advice if you have received a DVPN

If you have been issued a Domestic Violence Protection Notice, the order can be enforced immediately, and there is no current legal mechanism for appealing it. However, we can challenge a longer DVPO in court by making representations.

It is advisable to instruct a solicitor as soon as you have received a DVPN, if not before, so that we can prepare to challenge the application for a DVPO on your behalf during court proceedings.

Challenging a DVPO

Our solicitors have successfully defended clients against the imposition of a full DVPO order.

Even if you agree to the order being imposed, it may still be possible to contest the duration of the order, and its attached conditions.

We can support you throughout this process with quality legal representation and help ensure a fair outcome.

Breach of a DVPO

If you are accused of violating a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), you may be arrested and brought before the court.

If you admit to breaching the order, the court will proceed with sentencing. However, if you contest the allegation, the court will hear arguments from the Police advocate as well as from your solicitor.

The court will make its decision based on the evidence presented, determining on the balance of probabilities whether you have violated the order.

If you have been accused of breaching a DVPN or a DVPO, you should seek specialist legal advice from our solicitors, at the earliest opportunity. We can provide expert advice and representation for all of your appearances at court, providing you with the best chance of a fair outcome.

Fees and funding

When dealing with fees and funding, we will always be clear and upfront about your options.

Legal Aid may be available in some cases, but this depends on the seriousness of the case, and whether it will justify the grant of public funding.

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both Legal Aid and private fees), please use the links provided below:

• Our Fees – Crime Cases
• Do I Qualify for Criminal Legal Aid?
• Bespoke Crime Private Fee Service
• Will Your Private Legal Costs Increase?
• Do We Offer Free Consultations?

Related offences

We also provide support and guidance on various other matters that are related to domestic violence orders, including:

• Serious crime
• Assault and violent crime
• Common assault
• Armed robbery
• Domestic violence
• Grievous bodily harm
• Possession of an offence weapon
• Racially or religiously aggravated offences
• Robbery
• Self-defence as a legal defence

Related cases

• Man Not Guilty Domestic Violence Allegation Willesden Magistrates Court 2024
• No Further Action Domestic Actual Bodily Harm Colindale Police Station 2024

Common questions about domestic violence protection orders

What is a DVPN/DVPO?

Domestic Violence Protection Notices can be issued by the police when attending incidents of alleged domestic violence. They are an immediate and short-term measure used to remove the suspected perpetrator from the property for 48 hours.

This is designed to give the victim a degree of safety and space by removing the suspected perpetrator and preventing them from molesting the victim.

The police can then apply to the magistrates’ court for a DVPO, which extends the DVPN for a further 14 to 28 days.

A DVPO may have certain conditions, including prohibiting the alleged perpetrator from contacting the victim, returning to the home address, or entering specified geographical areas.

How long does a DVPN/DVPO last, and what happens after it expires?

The DVPN will last for 48 hours and there is no mechanism in place to challenge a DVPN once it has been issued.

A DVPO will last for between 14 and 28 days but quality legal representation can help you challenge the length and terms of a DVPO.

Who oversees the DVPN/DVPO process?

The police will issue the original DVPN notice; the police may then go on to apply to the Magistrates Court for a DVPO to extend this notice.

A court hearing will then be held within 48 hours of the DVPN being issued, in order to determine whether a DVPO should be granted.

It is important to be on time for the hearing after instructing expert legal representation, otherwise the DVPO may be granted in your absence.

What happens when a DVPO expires?

Both the DVPN and the DVPO are temporary orders, and when the time period finishes, the order will expire.

What are the penalties for breaching a DVPO?

Breach of a DVPO constitutes a civil breach of a court order under Section 63 of the Magistrates' Court Act.

The consequences for breaching this civil order include a fine of £50 for each day the individual remains in breach, capped at a maximum of £5,000 or two months’ imprisonment.

Contact our DVPO and DVPN solicitors today

If you are due to attend the police station for interview, have been accused of domestic violence, or require any urgent specialist advice or immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal defence solicitors in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• Brent & Camden London Office: 020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office:  0121 614 3333
• City of London: 0207 624 7771, our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for criminal defence

Please contact us for a free initial consultation with one of our criminal defence lawyers for immediate advice and representation.

For urgent representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556 and we will provide you with the assistance you need.