Protective orders are typically issued by judges in cases involving domestic violence ,stalking and also as part of bond conditions. A judge may issue one if you are arrested on charges of family violence or if your spouse files a petition asking for protection. Should you violate this court order, you could be arrested and held without bail.
If you have been accused of violating a protective order/bond conditions in San Antonio, you will need strong legal counsel to defend your case. Criminal Defense Attorney Sophia C. Martinez is a former family violence prosecutor and defense attorney with over 25 years of experience. She understands Texas domestic violence cases inside and out and can craft a defense strategy to mitigate your charges or, in some cases, have them dropped entirely.
What Do Protective Orders/Bonds Prohibit in San Antonio, Texas?
After someone requests legal protection from a San Antonio court after an instance of domestic violence, the civil District judge will hold a separate hearing from any criminal charges and decide whether to issue a protective order.
A protective order in San Antonio can forbid you from:
- Making any threats (either directly or indirectly through others)
- Communicating with the victim in any way
- Going near the victim’s home, school, or place of work
- Possessing a firearm
- Tampering with a GPS (global positioning monitoring system)
- Committing domestic abuse
Most often, these orders also require the respondent to attend a Texas battering prevention program.
Actions to Take After Being Served a Protective Order/Bond
Being served a temporary restraining order or protection order can be infuriating. Regardless of your emotions, do not attempt to reach out to the victim to try to clear things up. Whether you believe the protective order should have been issued or you want answers from the victim, initiating contact with them is the last thing you should do. Instead, get in touch with a lawyer who can help you make decisions that will protect your rights and future.
Your San Antonio violation of a protective bond attorney can attend the protective order hearing with you, giving you the opportunity you need to clear things up.
Possible Consequences for Violating a Protective Order/Bond in San Antonio, Texas
If a police officer has probable cause to believe that you violated a protection order, they can arrest you without a valid warrant. They can do so based on witness statements, evidence such as visible bruising or lacerations on a victim, or from your admission.
Violating a protective order can have serious consequences in Texas because it means that you have been accused of breaking a direct order from the court. As a Class A misdemeanor in Texas, the possible penalties you will face for violation of a protective order/bond include the following:
- Up to one year in county jail
- Up to a $4,000 fine
However, suppose the defendant has previously been convicted of violating a protective order two or more times or violated the order by committing assault or stalking. In that case, they could be charged with a third-degree felony. In Texas, third-degree felonies are punishable by:
- From 2 years to up to ten years in prison
- Up to a $10,000 fine
If convicted, the defendant would also become a convicted felon for life, meaning they could lose the right to future job and housing opportunities as well as voting and weapons rights.
Contact a San Antonio Violation of Protective Order/Bond Lawyer
If you have been charged with violating a protective order in San Antonio, you may be jailed without bail if a judge believes that you pose an imminent threat to the victim. Therefore, it is crucial that you partner with the right criminal defense lawyer. A skilled San Antonio violation of protective order attorney will conduct their own thorough investigation into your case to determine the best path to protecting your rights and freedoms.
Former District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez safeguards the rights of people in situations just like yours. To speak with her about your protective order/bond violation, you can set up a free consultation by calling a San Antonio violation of a protective order lawyer Sophia Martinez Law office at (210) 226-3000. If you prefer to reach out online, you may request a meeting by completing our convenient contact form. We also offer services in Spanish.