What Are the Effects of a Protective Order?

In Denton County and throughout Texas, the victims of stalking, sexual assault and family violence (sometimes called domestic violence) can ask the court for a protective order, which prohibits the offender from committing further acts of stalking, sexual assault, or family violence. For the purpose of this blog, we’re going to focus on family violence protective orders, and their effects on the alleged abuser.

In Texas, family or domestic violence occurs when a family or household member either threatens physical injury to another family or household member, or they cause physical injury to another relative or member of the same household. Family violence includes child abuse and spousal abuse. Family members include:

• Spouses
• Parents and children
• Stepparents and stepchildren
• Foster parents and foster children
• Family members by blood or marriage
• Adoptive parents and adopted children

What Can a Protective Order do to Me?

Suppose you’re being accused of family violence and now your loved one has obtained a protective order from the court. If you are subject to an active family violence protective order, your activities and movements can be greatly restricted. A protective order can bar the offender from:

• Contacting those protected in the order
• Going near the victims’ work or school
• Possessing a firearm (under state and federal law)

In addition to the above, a protective order can require that an offender vacate the family residence, receive mandatory counseling, pay spousal and child support, and pay certain bills.

When a protective order is issued by the court, local law enforcement agencies are notified. If the abuser violates the protective order and the police find out, they will take actions to arrest the violator. From there, the violator will be arrested and formal charges will be filed against him or her. Please note that a violation can be punishable by up to a $4,000 fine, or by up to one year in jail, or by jail and confinement.

To learn more about family violence protective orders, click here. Or, you can visit the Attorney General’s page on protective orders.

Accused of family violence or violating a protective order? Contact our firm at once to set up a free case review with Attorney Adame!