Violation Of A Protective Order In Texas

What is violation of a protective order in Texas?

A protective order is an order by a judge prohibiting a person from going to certain places or contacting certain people. It is commonly associated with family violence charges or harassment.

The stakes are high. Hire the best lawyers.

What’s the difference between a protective order and a restraining order?

A protective order is very different from a restraining order. A restraining order is a civil order which is not criminally enforceable and may be issued for anyone or almost any action as part of a civil lawsuit. There is no criminal offense in the Texas Penal Code for violating a restraining order. A protective order, on the other hand, is a civil order which is criminally enforceable. A violation of a protective order requires a police response and imposes criminal penalties, including jail time, on someone who disobeys the judge’s order. The criminal offenses for violating a protective order can be found in Chapter 25 in the Texas Penal Code.

How does someone violate a protective order?

A person can commit violation of a protective order in one of two ways: by violating their bond conditions or by violating the judge’s order.

perspectives

→ Violating bond conditions: Conditions of bond are similar to protective orders in that they seek to protect a victim while a criminal case is waiting to go to trial. Let’s say a defendant is arrested following a criminal offense, such as family violence or stalking. The judge will outline conditions of the defendant’s release while awaiting trial if they post bail, which are called bond conditions. These will generally be the same or similar conditions that might be found in a protective order, such as not to go to the victim’s house, not to communicate with the victim, and not to commit another criminal offense against the victim. If the defendant does anything the judge tells him not to do, then he has not only violated the conditions of his bond, but he has committed another criminal offense.

→ Violating the protective order: In Texas, under section 25.07 of the Texas Penal Code , it is against the law to violate the terms of a protective order that was issued on the basis of family violence, child abuse or neglect, sexual assault or abuse, stalking or trafficking cases. A individual violates the order — which the judge may have issued under the Code of Criminal Procedure or the Family Code —  if he or she knowingly or intentionally commits family violence, communicates with the protected individual or their family members,  goes to prohibited places, interferes with the alleged victim’s pets, or tampers with a GPS system, among other things.

It is common for the subject of the protective order to reconcile with the person who the order seeks to protect. However, it is important to point out that this reconciliation does not affect the validity of the protective order. While the order is in place, the defendant cannot violate the order by having contact or communications with the alleged victim. To invalidate the order, the parties must go back to court and request that the judge modify or terminate the order.

How long can a person go to jail for violation of a protective order?

Generally, a violation of a protective order is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by:

  • A fine of up to $4,000;
  • Confinement in jail for up to a year; or
  • Both of the above.

However, the penalty for a Violation of Certain Court Orders or Conditions of Bond in a Family Violence, Sexual Assault or Abuse, Stalking, or Trafficking Case may be punished as a third degree felony under certain circumstances.

For the violation to be a felony, it must be shown that:

  • The defendant has had at least two prior convictions for violations or repeated violation of a protective order; or
  • The defendant has violated the order or a bond condition by committing an assault or the offense of stalking.
  • third degree felony is punishable by a prison sentence of anywhere between two and ten years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Defend Against Allegations of Violating a Protection Order in Fort Worth

The punishments for violating a protection order in Fort Worth can be significant. If you or a loved one is accused of violating a protective order, it’s essential to contact an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Your freedom is likely at stake. We have a prestigious roster of attorneys with a track record of success. Call today for a free consultation.

Our criminal defense attorneys stand between you and the government

Reviews
About
Call
Schedule
Search
js_loader