How to Get a Restraining Order in Houston Texas

You can acquire a restraining order in Houston when someone has assaulted you or threatened to hurt you. All incidences of domestic violence result in restraining orders being issued by the courts. , also known as protection orders, prevent future acts of violence by restricting the amount of contact that suspected offenders can have with claimed victims. Obtaining a restraining order, on the other hand, might be difficult for many people.

Fortunately, if you want assistance in getting a restraining order, DoNotPay is ready to assist you.

What is a Restraining Order, and How Does it Work?

A restraining order is a civil court order granted to prevent domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking from continuing." Restraining orders are imposed in the majority of cases involving domestic violence. Family violence is defined as an act or threat of severe damage to a fellow family member. Child abuse can also be classified as a kind of family violence. A person in Houston may obtain a protection order for various reasons.

Reason	Grounds
Civil harassment	Someone you are not close to has harassed, stalked, abused, and/or threatened you.
Domestic Violence	This is one of the most prevalent reasons for restraining orders in Houston. When there is familial violence in the home, the victim might seek a protection order.
Workplace	A worker who is being followed or abused by another employee in the office may be able to get a protection order to prevent further acts of violence.
Elderly Abuse	Elder abuse can take various forms, including sexual abuse. According to the Texas Attorney General, seniors may be eligible to get protection orders in specific cases involving sexual abuse or violence done by a family member.

Check Your State's Restraining Order Laws

There are several laws governing restraining orders in Texas.

Duration of Protective Orders

Protective orders might last for a long time. They typically run for one year, with extensions allowed in exceptional circumstances. Protective orders can be issued for up to 3 years in certain states, but only for 90 days in others. Ohio has approved a bill that makes a protection order last for five years, making it the longest in the US. Protective orders are also subject to a wide range of violations. Even though most states only impose a maximum one-year penalty and a $1,000 fine for breaching a protection order, governments often impose obligatory prison time.

Informing Law Enforcement

Restraining orders must be transmitted to law enforcement authorities in almost every state. Twelve states have set a deadline of 48 hours for broadcast. A few states have established statewide registers or information systems to keep track of current protective orders. The use of the Internet allows for quick access to statewide registrations. In Iowa, for example, certified copies of protection orders must be sent to law enforcement authorities within 6 hours of their issue.

How to Obtain a Restraining Order in Houston

To Submit a Complaint, Go To the State's Attorney or the Courtroom. In most cases, you'll file your order in the county where you or the abuser live or in any other county where the abuse occurred.

Complete the Forms

Complete an application fully. You must provide the relevant details when applying for a protection order.

A Court Will Review Your Petition

While reviewing your petition, the court may choose to ask you questions. A court will evaluate whether there is an urgent threat that the abuser may commit family violence based on your application's facts if you request a temporary ex parte order. If that's the case, you could be eligible for a temporary order that lasts up to twenty days.

Processing of the Restraining Order

The court clerk will issue a Notification of an Application for a Restraining Order. In most cases, the clerk will serve this notice on the abuser together with the petition you filed and any interim ex parte orders that were issued.

Court Hearing for a Permanent Restraining Order

You must present yourself to the court. If you discover you will be unable to appear, call the court clerk as soon as possible to inquire about obtaining a "continuance" for a later court date. If you fail to appear, the court may dismiss your case, and your may be revoked.

What Happens After a Restraining Order Hearing?

After hearing all parties and reviewing the facts:

The judge may decide right away
Or, take some time to consider it

The judge may issue and sign a final restraining order at your hearing.

File for a Restraining Order With The Help Of DoNotPay

DoNotPay is here to help you have a restraining order filed.

How to apply for a restraining order with the help of DoNotPay:

Search for relationship protection on DoNotPay.
Answer a few easy questions on our File a Restraining Order product.
Submit the form and you're done!

And that's it! DoNotPay will compile for you the forms you need to fill out and give you detailed instructions on how to file for a restraining order in your jurisdiction. Stay safe!