Know the Laws: Texas
UPDATED October 16, 2012
A protective order is a legal order issued by a state court which requires one person to stop harming another. The order can also place other restrictions on the abuser, such as ordering him/her to stay away from you or stop contacting you. In Texas, there protective orders based on family violence and based on sexual assault or stalking.
- Overview of Civil vs. Criminal Law
Some restraining orders are issued in criminal court and some are issued in civil court.
- Family Violence Protective Orders
A civil order provides protection from harm by someone you have a specific relationship with.
- Trafficking, Sexual Assault or Stalking Protective Orders
A civil court order that is designed to protect you from someone who sexually assaulted you, committed other sexual offenses against you, stalked you, stalked you, trafficked you or forced you into prostitution.
- Moving to Another State with a Domestic Violence Protective Order
Your protective order can be enforceable wherever you move to.
- Enforcing Your Out-Of-State Order in TX
If you are planning to move to TX or are going to be in TX for any reason, your protection or restraining order can be enforced.