Houston Restraining Order Lawyer

Houston Restraining Order Attorney

When someone crosses your boundaries and you fear for your safety, your next move matters. If you’re in danger and need protection, or you’ve been wrongly accused and served with a protective order, a Houston restraining order lawyer can protect you.

At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, our criminal defense team can guide you through the legal process. We can take swift, strategic action to preserve your rights.

Understanding Restraining Orders in Texas

With 64 intimate partner homicides in 2022, and 52% of those victims having taken steps to end the abuse, Harris County officials have worked to improve resources for victims of domestic violence by investing $4 million in local shelters.

Luckily, Texas law provides several types of protective orders to help individuals stay safe from threats, harassment, and violence.

The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can assist both petitioners and respondents in handling restraining orders with care, urgency, and a firm understanding of the legal system.

Types of Protective Orders in Texas

In Texas, different kinds of orders exist to address various forms of threats, abuse, or harassment, and each carries its own distinct rules, protections, and legal consequences. Understanding which type applies to your situation is important, and some of the most common types of protective orders include:

• Temporary ex parte orders. These are quickly issued when there’s immediate danger, and they don’t require the respondent’s presence. They generally last 20 days.
• Final protective orders. These are granted after a full hearing, and they can last up to two years or longer, depending on the specific circumstances.
• Magistrate’s emergency protective orders (EPOs). These are often issued after an arrest for family violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
• Civil restraining orders. These could be sought in civil cases involving harassment, stalking, or other disputes that don’t involve family violence.

Knowing the difference between each type of protective order can help you take the appropriate legal measures. Working with a lawyer who understands how restraining orders are issued and enforced can make the process easier and the protection more effective. Your next step could impact your safety, rights, or reputation, so it’s worth getting it right.

Common Reasons Clients Seek Help

Restraining orders are often tied to highly personal, emotionally charged situations. At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we’ve seen a wide range of scenarios that lead someone to seek legal help with a protective order. Some of the most common situations that could prompt you to seek our assistance include:

• A spouse or ex-partner threatens violence after separation.
• Co-parents engage in hostile, repeated confrontations in front of children.
• Unwanted contact from a former friend, neighbor, or coworker turns persistent or menacing.
• A criminal arrest triggers an automatic emergency protective order.

Every restraining order case comes with its own facts, but patterns emerge when you’ve helped enough people through them. The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, helps clients in Houston approach these complex situations with clarity, strategy, and respect for what’s at stake.

Why Hiring a Local Houston Lawyer Is Important

In restraining order cases, hiring a lawyer who knows the local legal system can give you a practical advantage. At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we regularly handle protective order matters in the same courtrooms where your case may be heard.

We’re familiar with the Harris County Civil Courthouse, the Family Law Center, and the Harris County Criminal Justice Center, which gives us direct insight into how these matters unfold from the inside out. Protective order hearings are often fast-moving and emotionally charged. Knowing how individual judges tend to approach these cases, how clerks handle filings, and how prosecutors treat related criminal matters can all shape your strategy.

Our team knows the judges’ preferences, the docketing patterns, and even the tone of a particular courtroom, which means we can better prepare you for what’s to come.

FAQs About Houston, TX Restraining Order Laws

Can a Restraining Order in Texas Be Modified or Lifted Early?

Yes, a restraining order in Texas can be modified or lifted early by either party involved. This is done by filing a motion and attending a hearing, where the judge evaluates whether circumstances have substantially changed. However, even if the petitioner requests a dismissal, the judge isn’t obligated to approve it. Courts ultimately prioritize safety and the original grounds for issuing the order.

What Happens If Someone Lies in a Restraining Order Affidavit?

Knowingly making false statements in a protective order affidavit can carry serious legal consequences. The person could face charges like perjury or filing a false police report, which can result in fines or even jail time. In family law disputes, false claims can damage credibility in related cases like custody or divorce. If falsehoods are discovered, the restraining order could be dismissed, and the court might impose sanctions.

Can I Travel or Move Out of State With a Texas Protective Order in Place?

Yes, you can travel or move out of state with a Texas protective order in place. Protective orders issued in Texas are recognized in every U.S. state under federal law, so the order is still valid and enforceable. However, if you’re the person subject to the order, you should check for restrictions like exclusion zones or proximity limitations, as even accidentally violating those conditions can lead to criminal charges. Before moving or traveling, consult an attorney to remain compliant and protected.

Can Someone Drop a Protective Order Request After Filing It?

Yes, someone can drop a protective order request after filing it. However, it’s not an automatic process. Even if the alleged victim changes their mind, the judge still makes the final decision. The court reviews whether the original risk still exists, and it might refuse to dismiss the case if it believes the petitioner is under pressure or still in danger. Protective orders are legal safeguards, and judges have the discretion to maintain them for public safety.

Work With a Lawyer Who Handles These Matters Carefully and Strategically

Whether you’re seeking protection from abuse or defending yourself against allegations that could impact your rights and reputation, the path forward isn’t one you should walk alone.

At the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, we take your situation seriously, so whether you need protection from abuse or you’ve been wrongly accused, we can stand with you and pursue a just outcome.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.