Georgetown Police Department

Protective Orders

EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE ORDERS (EPO)

  • The victim, police officer, magistrate, or the County Attorney’s office can request an EPO.
  • An EPO is enforceable by arrest immediately after the magistrate /judge signs the order and gives the offender a copy.
  • An EPO can be in effect for up to 91 days
  • You may call the Magistrate office at 512-943-1377 to inquire if an EPO has been issued.
  • Call law enforcement or 9-1-1 immediately if an EPO has been violated.

What is a Protective Order?

It is a civil court order, whose purpose is to prevent further family violence, and, if violated, can have both civil and criminal consequences.

Who May Qualify for A Protective Order You may qualify for a Protective Order if:

  • You have been a victim of family violence, to be defined as: (1) an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself; (2) abuse, by a member of a family or household toward a child of the family or household; or (3) dating violence… (Sec. 71.004. Texas Family Code, Ch. 71) This may include pushing, shoving, slapping, hitting, kicking, choking, or any act intended to physically harm another person.
  • You feel there is a risk of family violence in the future. You have a family/ household/ dating relationship with the person you want the protective order against, including:
  1. Spouse
  2. Parents of the same child
  3. Ex-spouse
  4. Roommates
  5. Relative
  6. Old roommates
  7. In-laws
  8. Dating partners or ex-dating partners
  • You reside in Williamson County, the person you are applying for protection against resides in Williamson County, or family violence occurred in Williamson County.
  • You have been a victim of stalking or sexual assault, regardless of your relationship with the person you are applying against. You and/or the person you are applying against must live in Williamson County and/or stalking or sexual assault occurred in Williamson County.

If there is an active divorce pending in Williamson County, the application for Protective Orders will be filed in the same Court that the divorce has been filed.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PROTECTIVE ORDER IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY?

Please visit the County Attorney’s Office in person during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).  The intake process can take up to 3 hours. Walk-ins are always welcome.  You may also contact us via phone or e-mail.  Here is the contact information:

Williamson County Attorney’s Office

Victim Services Division

405 M.L.K. Street (2nd Floor, Courthouse Annex Building) Georgetown, Texas 78626

Phone: (512) 943-1918       E-mail: cavictimservices@wilco.org

 What Do You Need to Bring?

  • A current state picture ID (Texas driver’s license or Texas Identification card).
  • If charges filed or report made, case number and name of detective.
  • A current and complete address where they can serve the Respondent (it is best to serve at work or during the daytime hours.) A P.O. Box is not serviceable.
  • The address that you want to be protected (for example work, home, school).
  • A copy of the divorce decree or decree in suit affecting Parent-Child relationship.

The Protective Order Process

If possible, please call for an appointment.

  • You will be required to fill out an inquiry form consisting of the complete history of violence in your relationship.
  • If you want the abusive person to vacate your home, the abuse must have occurred in the last 30 days, and you must have resided at the residence during the last 30 days.
  • Pictures of your injuries will be taken if they are still visible.
  • Your papers will be filed and go to the judge for signing and a Temporary Ex-Parte Order will be issued. It is now Police enforceable. You will receive a date to come to court withing 14 days.
  • Usually, the Respondent will be served within 7-14 days, it will depend on the information you provide. These papers will inform the Respondent of the upcoming court date. It is up to him/her whether they appear the day of the hearing. The Respondent must be served to have a hearing.
  • If he/she chooses not to appear at the hearing, you may be granted the Protective Order by default, provided you meet all the statutory requirements, and the service has been on file with the District Clerk’s office for at least ten days or there will be a continuance and the hearing reset.
  • On the day of your hearing, you and an Assistant County Attorney will appear before the judge and have a hearing. If the judge decides that family violence has occurred and is likely to occur in the future, a Protective Order will be granted.
  • You will probably receive your Protective Order at this point. It is police enforceable.
  • The entire process usually takes at least 14 days.
  • The Protective Order is active for up to 2 years. If the Respondent is incarcerated when the Protective Order expires; it will be extended for one year from the date the Respondent is released from jail.

What the Protective Order will do?

  • The protective order will tell the offender to stay 200 feet from where you live or work.
  • The offender is instructed not to commit family violence, threaten through someone else, harass, or stalk the person applying for the protection order.
  • The protective order can order the offender to get to specialized counseling for their behavior.
  • The protective order is valid for up to 2 years.
  • A protective order is not a bulletproof vest or safety shield. You must remain careful and take precautions for your safety.
  • A protective order does not interfere with court ordered visitation or custody determined by another court.

Can I get protection right away?

The Judge may give you a temporary order that protects you until a formal court hearing is conducted.  This order is called a Temporary Ex Parte Protective Order.  In some cases, the Judge may order the other person to leave the home right away.  If you want this to happen, you must make a specific request that you want the other person to be excluded from your home, and you must be ready to testify at a hearing when you file your application.

 Do I have to go to Court?

Yes, even if you get a Temporary Ex Parte Protective Order, you must attend the next court hearing.  This hearing usually takes place about two weeks after the temporary order is signed.  At this hearing, the Judge will decide whether to grant you a Final Protective Order and decide how long it will be effective.  If you do not attend this hearing, the temporary order will expire.

How much does it cost to get a Protective Order?

The Williamson County Attorney’s Office will provide you with the necessary legal services free of charge to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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