Do Protective Orders Show Up on Background Checks?

By Michael D. Cleaves

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on Aug 26, 2026

If you face accusations of domestic assault in North Carolina, you may have concerns about how this could affect your future career, credit, apartment options and even your freedom. Domestic violence accusations are rarely simple, and they can cause immense stress for both parties.

Does a DVPO or 50C Count as Criminal Conviction?

No. A DVPO or 50C is a civil restraining order, not a criminal conviction, so it does not appear on a criminal record on its own.

• A DVPO or 50C is issued as a civil order, not a criminal charge
• Violating the order can result in a separate criminal conviction or contempt finding

What Is the Difference Between a DVPO and a 50C?

• DVPO. Applies to spouses, former spouses, co-parents, current or former household members, or people with a romantic history.
• 50C. Generally applies when the victim does not have a qualifying personal relationship with the other person and has experienced stalking or nonconsensual sexual conduct. This can include situations involving coworkers, neighbors, acquaintances, or strangers.
• Both orders provide legal protection from unwanted conduct, but the requirements differ. A DVPO requires an act of domestic violence under Chapter 50B, while a 50C requires “unlawful conduct” as defined by Chapter 50C, stalking or nonconsensual sexual conduct.

Can a Protective Order Still Show Up on a Background Check?

Standard employment background checks generally only surface criminal convictions, so a compliant DVPO or 50C typically won’t appear on them. More intensive background checks, such as those for security clearances, can uncover a protective order, because court proceedings and petitions are matters of public record.

What Happens If You Violate a Protective Order?

• A DVPO violation is a criminal offense in North Carolina. A knowing violation is generally charged as a Class A1 misdemeanor, and a conviction can result in penalties such as fines or jail time; certain circumstances can elevate the charge to a felony.
• A 50C order violation can result in civil or criminal contempt. Criminal contempt for a 50C violation may result in a fine, imprisonment, or both.
• Criminal charges and contempt findings appear on a person’s record. A violation only affects a person’s criminal record or background check if it results in a criminal charge or a criminal contempt finding, the protective order itself is not a criminal conviction.

Does a Protective Order Affect Employment, Housing, or Credit?

A North Carolina protective order is a civil court order, not a criminal conviction, so it does not appear as a criminal conviction on your criminal record. However, the court records related to the protective order are generally public. A protective order also may affect employment or housing arrangements if its terms restrict where you can go, whom you can contact, or who can occupy a residence. A protective order itself is not a debt or credit account and generally is not reported as such to credit bureaus.

North Carolina Criminal Defense Resources:

• North Carolina Domestic Violence Laws
• Defending Domestic Violence Charges in North Carolina