Domestic Violence Protection Notices

Domestic Violence Protection Notices

Camilla has specialised in criminal defence work since 2010 and has particular experience in cases involving sexual offences, serious violent offences (including murder) and money laundering and fraud.

Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN) can be applied for by the police in situations where they suspect that domestic violence has taken place.  They may seek a DVPN or a DVPO (See below) even where there is insufficient evidence to charge a suspect with a criminal offence and without the support of the alleged victim, or even against the alleged victim’s express wishes.

DVPN’s and DVPO’s are governed by sections 24 to 33 of the Crime and Security Act 2010.

What is a DVPN?

• A DVPN prevents a person released from police custody from attending the address of the alleged victim or from contacting them in any way.
• A DVPN may be issued if a police superintendent has reasonable grounds for believing that:
• The individual has used/ threatened violence towards the alleged victim; and,
• A DVPN is necessary to protect the alleged victim from further violence/ threats of violence
• Breach of a DVPN provides the police with a power of arrest.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders – DVPO’s

• If the police are seeking a DVPO, they must, within 48 hours of the DVPN being issued, submit their application to the Magistrates’ Court.
• The DVPN may become a DVPO if two conditions are met:
• On the balance of probabilities (it is more likely than not) that the recipient of the order has used or threatened violence towards the alleged victim; and,
• A DVPO  is necessary to protect the alleged victim from further violence/ threats of violence.
• A DVPO can last for between 14 – 28 days.
• Breach of a DVPO is an arrestable offence for which you may be fined or imprisoned or both.

For a fixed fee, Old Bailey Solicitors can assist you to contest a police application for a DVPN / DVPO.  For further details, please contact us on 020 7846 4999 or visit our contact page here.

If you have been served with a DVPN, you need to act quickly to ensure you have the best legal representation on your side.

Camilla has specialised in criminal defence work since 2010 and has particular experience in cases involving sexual offences, serious violent offences (including murder) and money laundering and fraud.