Bell County Protective Order Violation Attorney
You are probably experiencing a whirlwind of confusion if you received documentation regarding a domestic violence protective order in Texas. Without notice to you, an accuser went before a judge and got a court order prohibiting you from certain acts. Alternatively, you might have received similar paperwork from the court after being arrested for assault. With either scenario, you are aware that a protective order is a serious matter.
However, your situation is even more urgent if you are accused of a protective order violation. This order is a sort of private law that applies to you, and there can be severe penalties for breaking it. If you are facing such allegations, retaining a Bell County protective order violation attorney is critical. Our team at The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC is ready to assist, so please contact our office to set up a free consultation. A legal overview may also be useful.
Summary of Texas Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
As mentioned, a protective order may be the result of legal action by an accuser or an arrest for assault. Even though you did not have notice of the first emergency proceeding, you did – or will – have the opportunity to dispute the allegations at a second hearing. Once entered, both emergency protective orders and final orders include a list of prohibited acts and terms that require strict compliance.
If you violate the terms and conditions contained within the restraining order, you could be charged with a crime. Texas law on violations of protective orders states that you could face arrest if you knowingly or intentionally:
- it an act of family violence;
- Communicate with the accuser;
- Go to prohibited areas, such as the accuser’s residence, workplace, or other areas mentioned in the order; or
- Possess a firearm.
Penalties for Violating an Order of Protection
If the prosecutor proves beyond a reasonable doubt that you did not comply with the terms, you face a Class A Misdemeanor. For a conviction, a judge could order up to one year incarceration and a $4,000 fine. However, subsequent offenses and the presence of other factors may lead to charges for a State Jail Felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in prison.
As such, it is critical to work with a Bell County protective order violations attorney if you were arrested. These cases often involve intense situations and false allegations, but you still have rights. The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC is ready to defend the allegations and develop an appropriate strategy for avoiding harsh punishment.
Trust a Bell County Protective Order Violations Lawyer to Advise You
For more information about strategies for fighting the charges, please call 254-330-3214 or go online to reach The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC. We are happy to schedule a no-cost consultation at our location in Temple, TX to discuss the details of your case. After reviewing your circumstances, a Bell County defense attorney can explain the laws and process for violations of protective orders.
