Protective Orders

Throughout the years the Texas legislature has created a system of legal protections for victims of family violence.

Protective orders have been the primary civil legal remedy since 1979. The advantage of these orders is the criminal penalty that occurs when the orders are disobeyed. Over time, protective orders have come to protect not only members of the same family but members of the same household and individuals who have or have had a dating relationship and victims of sexual assault as well. The Criminal District Attorney's Office is committed to helping these victims obtain enforceable protective orders.

A protective order is a civil court order that tells an individual not to commit any further acts of violence. The District Attorney's Office does not issue the protective order. Only a District Court judge can grant a protective order. Most protective orders are in place for two years. A protective order takes at least two weeks to obtain and requires at least one appointment in our office and at least one court appearance.

How to Apply

• Persons seeking to apply for a protective order may contact the Criminal District Attorney's Office during business hours, 8 am to 3 pm, at 469-376-4760.
• After a preliminary screening, the applicant may complete a Protective Order Application (PDF) and submit it to a Protective Order Prosecutor.
• Upon meeting the legal requirements of the initial inquiry, an applicant meets with a prosecutor, who then handles the case from the intake stage, through filing and disposition of the application.

Protective Order Forms

Protective Order Application Intake Form (PDF)