Protective orders are often granted during emotionally charged situations, such as a divorce, relationship break-up, or child custody dispute, including being arrested for any assault family violence, and/or being accused of a sexual assault.
Don’t wait to contact an attorney if you’re facing charges of violating a protective order. This is a serious matter and you need legal representation.
Read on to get answers to frequently asked questions about protective order violations in Texas, possible defenses to these charges, and why you should call Attorney Kent Starr today.
Texas Protective Order Violations: FAQs
Below are answers to commonly asked questions about protective order violations in Texas. This information is an overview of state laws and is not a substitute for consulting a lawyer about your specific situation.
The person who requested a protective order against me said they dropped the order. Why have I been charged with a protective order violation?
In Texas, only a judge can modify a protective order. It’s in your best interest to follow the terms of the protective order as it was written and contact an attorney immediately.
What are the penalties for violating a protective order in Texas?
While the penalties for some convictions are straightforward, that is not necessarily the case for protective order violations. Three statutes of the Texas Penal Code that pertain to protective order violations are:
Two factors that can determine a sentence are the alleged actions that violated the order of protection and if you have a prior criminal record. In addition, you may face other charges, such as stalking or assault. These crimes carry their own penalties. Depending on the specifics of your case, a conviction could mean jail time.
Could I lose my job after a protective order violation?
It depends on the outcome of your case. Some industries may not hire or continue to employ individuals with a felony conviction on their record, including education, healthcare, law enforcement, and security.
Defenses to Protective Order Violations in Texas
There are several reasons why you may be not guilty of violating a protective order. Below are some of the most common reasons. An attorney can create a defense strategy after learning the specifics of your case.
You didn’t know there was a protective order in place
You may not know about a protective order if you were unreachable. For example, you moved and didn’t get your mail, were out of the country, or were in the hospital.
You didn’t “knowingly or intentionally” violate the terms of the protective order.
Sections 25.07 and 25.071 state the actor must have “knowingly or intentionally” violated the order. For example, the person who requested the protective order was somewhere you wouldn’t have known they would be, such as a new workplace.
False Allegations
Simply put, the violation never occurred. The alleged victim wants to ruin your reputation or paint you in a negative light. This can often occur when a child custody case is in progress.
3 Reasons to Hire Plano Attorney Kent Starr
The circumstances surrounding a protective order violation can be complex and emotionally charged. Protective orders are issued after allegations of abuse, stalking, or other harm.
If you’ve been charged with violating a protective order, here are 3 reasons why you should contact Starr Law, P.C. right away.
Attorney Kent Starr has hundreds of favorable reviews.
His past clients have left hundreds of favorable reviews on Google and Avvo. Mr. Starr truly cares about his clients. He knows that a criminal conviction is more than a piece of paper — it has the power to alter the course of your life. He has your best interests in mind, always. He wants you to be able to put these charges behind you and move on with your life.
Attorney Kent Starr is an experienced trial attorney.
While other Plano criminal defense attorneys are after a quick plea bargain, Mr. Starr pursues the best possible outcome for his clients, no matter how long it takes. He is prepared to put your case before a judge or jury.
Most criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations, which give you the opportunity to ask important questions. Before you hire an attorney to represent you, get answers to these questions:
- How many protective order violation cases have you handled?
- What were the case outcomes?
- How often do you take these types of cases to trial?
Mr. Starr is not intimidated by the prosecution or judges. He will not pressure you to take a plea bargain if there are other routes to a favorable outcome.
Attorney Kent Starr represents clients facing tough charges.
Unfortunately, a person’s reputation can be damaged just by mere allegations. Mr. Starr believes that everyone deserves their day in court. If you are the defendant in a criminal case, he will ensure that your legal rights are upheld.
In addition to representing your protective order violation case, he is well-equipped to represent any other charges you are facing, such as stalking or assault.
Call a Protective Order Violation Defense Attorney Today
Attorney Kent Starr represents clients in Plano, McKinney, and throughout Collin County and the surrounding area. He is also a bail bonds attorney. One call to his office can secure your release and start your legal representation.
Have you been arrested for a protective order violation? Invoke your right to remain silent and call Starr Law P.C. now at (214) 982-1408.
Sources
Texas Penal Code, Chapter 25. Offenses Against The Family
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