Understanding Restraining & Protective Orders

In Texas, as in other states, protective orders (or restraining orders) are intended to protect individuals from abusive partners or others who may try to cause harm. Texas protective orders laws allow for both temporary (20 days maximum) and general (up to two years) protective orders, also referred to as “restraining orders.” Violating a protective order can result in a jail sentence and/or fine.

Have You been accused of Violating A Protective Order?

Due to the high stakes situations, the state of Texas takes protective orders extremely seriously. Their guidelines are strict and should it be determined you have violated one of its terms, you may face severe criminal penalties. According to the Texas Family Code, the following activities can be addressed by the protective order:

  • Enjoining or preventing contact between individuals;
  • Excluding certain persons from a dwelling, employment location, or school;
  • Enjoining contact between a parent and their minor child;
  • Establish temporary custody or support;
  • Order counseling and the suspension of firearm licenses; and
  • Order payment of reasonable court costs and attorney fees.

Visit this link for common types of protective orders.

Violating a protective order is considered a misdemeanor crime, and sometimes a state jail felony. A person could be sentenced up to a year in jail and $4000 fine for a misdemeanor. For a state jail felony, the person could be sentenced up to two years in prison and a $10,000.oo fine. If you have been criminally charged, it is important you realize just how much is at stake. You simply cannot afford to be flippant with your future – you need aggressive defense from a knowledgeable Bryan-College Station criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Talk to an College Station Protective Order Lawyer today!

If you have been charged with violating a restraining or protective order, don’t hesitate to contact my Firm as soon as possible. Over the years, we have been successful in handling criminal cases of all kinds and have demonstrated we can defend the most complex of prosecutions. If we decide to accept your case, rest assured we will go the distance in our efforts to provide you with the high-quality and reliable legal assistance you truly deserve.

 

To schedule your case evaluation, please contact a Bryan-College Station domestic violence lawyer today.