Protective Orders

What is a Protective Order?
A Protective Order is a civil court order that is issued by a Judge to prevent continuing acts of family violence.   Protective Orders offered by this office are pursued under the Texas Family Code.  A protective order can prohibit the abuser from committing any further acts of family violence against you; communicating in a threatening or harassing manner with a family or household member; going near a victim’s residence or place of employment; going near childcare and school facilities; stalking; removing or harming pets or companion animals; and possessing a firearm.

A protective order is not a criminal charge.  Criminal acts must be reported to a law enforcement agency in order to be prosecuted.  If you have suffered personal injury as a result of a criminal act, you may qualify for crime victims’ compensation benefits.  To be eligible for consideration, you must report the crime to law enforcement within a reasonable period of time, but not so late as to interfere with or hamper the investigation and prosecution of the crime.  For more information, you may contact the victim assistance liaison at the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Does the County Attorney issue Protective Orders? 

The County Attorney’s Office does NOT issue Protective Orders.  The County Attorney’s Office may assist the public in filing an Application for a Protective Order in family court and representing the Applicant (victim) in the Protective Order lawsuit.  In order to determine if the County Attorney will represent you in a protective order you must appear in person and meet with County Attorney staff.  The County Attorney will determine whether the County Attorney’s Office will offer to represent you.