A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a court order requiring the parties to whom it is addressed not to engage in certain activity, or to continue to engage in certain activity, and is usually designed to maintain the current state of things (the status quo) until the court has the opportunity to hear a more complete presentation of the evidence—usually during an application for a temporary injunction that will remain in place while the lawsuit is pending.
In Virginia, a temporary restraining order (TRO) is a legal measure used to provide immediate but short-term protection to an individual or entity by ordering another party to cease a harmful activity or to maintain the status quo. This is often a precursor to a more formal injunction. TROs are typically granted without the other party being present (ex parte) and are used in situations where immediate harm might occur without court intervention. The duration of a TRO in Virginia is generally 15 days, but it can be extended. To obtain a TRO, the requesting party must file a motion with the court, often accompanied by a sworn statement detailing the need for immediate protection. The court then decides whether the situation merits a TRO. If granted, a hearing is usually scheduled to determine if a preliminary injunction, which can last for the duration of the case, should replace the TRO.