Violations of Restraining Orders in Houston

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

A restraining order or protective order is one directly from a judge prohibiting certain conduct.  It is commonly issued in cases involving domestic violence or stalking.   The arrest is made based on statements by a witness, observable injuries such as bruises or admissions by the suspect.  Violations are a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a $4,000 fine and one year in jail. If you have been charged with violating a restraining order, you are urged to contact a Houston criminal defense lawyer.

Violations of Restraining Orders

It is a violation of a restraining order to do actions prohibited in the restraining orders such as coming to the protected dwelling, making threatening statements to members of the household or going to places where the protected person is likely to be.  It is also a violation for a person under a domestic violence restraining order to possess a firearm.   A restraining order lasts as long as a judge indicates in his order to a maximum of two years and, if a person is in jail, can last up to one year after being released from jail.

Even if your spouse invites you back, you may not return to the dwelling while the restraining order is in force. The order must first be cancelled.

At Stradley, Chernoff & Alford we are former prosecutors and district attorneys representing clients charged with violating restraining orders.  Three of the partners are certified as criminal lawyers and one as a family law lawyer by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.  When we are hired, we meet with the client and learn about the incident and work out defenses. At trial, we energetically present defenses such as lack of criminal intent.  As the state's case is often based on witness statements, we cross-examine the state's witnesses to expose exaggerations, lies and spiteful intentions. Our purpose is to show a reasonable doubt meriting a not guilty verdict.

We work relentlessly to obtain the best possible results for our clients and are accomplished in doing so. Communicate with the firm for a free, confidential consultation.

Contact a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney at the firm for Defense against Restraining Order Violation Charges.