Texas Protective Orders Laws
More Information on Protective Order Laws
| Code Section | Family 71.01, et seq. Repealed; now Family 71.001 et seq. |
| Activity Addressed by Order | Enjoin contact; exclude from dwelling, employment, school; regarding minors: enjoin contact, temporary custody, support; counseling; reasonable court costs and attorney fees; suspension of firearm license |
| Duration of Order | Temporary: maximum 20 days, may be extended; General: maximum 2 yrs. |
| Penalty for a Violation of Order | Fine, maximum $4,000 and/or jail, maximum 1 year. If family violence occurs, can be prosecuted for a misdemeanor or felony, carry jail minimum 2 years. Temporary: maximum $500 fine or maximum 6 months jail, or both |
| Who May Apply for Order | Adult member of family; prosecuting attorney; department of protective and regulatory services |
| Can Fees Be Waived? | Yes; fees paid by respondent |
| Order Transmission to Law Enforcement | Copy to chief of police where protected resides and to department of public safety |
| Civil Liability for Violation of Order | Yes, contempt of court |
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