Protective order defense in Johnson County

This page covers protective order cases in Johnson County: where they are heard, who prosecutes them and the local programs the county and its prosecutors run. Our office is in downtown Dallas at 325 N St. Paul Street; we handle cases in the Johnson County courts. For Texas-wide law, see our protective orders guide, and for other charges see the Johnson County criminal defense page.

Where are Johnson County protective order cases handled?

In Johnson County, protective orders sought through the government are handled by the Johnson County Attorney's Victim Assistance office, not the District Attorney. The county courts and the District Attorney are at the Guinn Justice Center, 204 S. Buffalo Ave., Cleburne.

How does the Johnson County prosecutor handle protective orders?

The County Attorney's office takes requests in person, by phone or by email, and publishes the forms needed to apply. Its guidance says an application can be filed in the county where the applicant or the respondent lives, or where the violence occurred, and that applicants can use the County Attorney or a private attorney. The same office prosecutes adult misdemeanors in Johnson County, including misdemeanor family violence assault.

What happens after you are served in Johnson County?

The County Attorney's guidance says a hearing must be held within 14 days of the application unless the applicant asks for a later date. A temporary ex parte order lasts 20 days and is not criminally enforceable until it has been served on you. Once served, follow it exactly, even if the applicant reaches out.

How should you prepare for a Johnson County hearing?

The office also explains that a final order is generally good for up to two years and can be longer in some situations, such as a finding of serious bodily injury or two or more prior protective orders. Because the County Attorney may also be prosecuting a related misdemeanor, get advice before you testify or agree to an order, and bring texts, call logs and witnesses to the hearing.

How does a protective order case work in Texas?

A family violence protective order is a civil case under the Family Code, but it carries criminal consequences. A court can sign a temporary ex parte order without a hearing, valid for up to 20 days and extendable (Family Code 83.002). The court generally must set the hearing on the application no later than 14 days after it is filed (Family Code 84.001). A final order is usually effective for up to two years, and in some cases longer (Family Code 85.025).

You have the right to appear at the hearing, present evidence and cross-examine witnesses. What you say there can be used in a related criminal case, so it is worth planning before the hearing. Violating an order can be charged under Penal Code 25.07, and a protective order can affect firearm rights and custody and housing arrangements.

What can a final protective order prohibit?

Under Family Code 85.022, a court that finds family violence can order the respondent not to commit family violence, not to communicate in a threatening or harassing way (or, for good cause, at all except through a lawyer), not to go to or near the protected person's home, workplace or a child's school or child-care facility, not to engage in harassing conduct such as following, and not to possess a firearm, with a narrow exception for certain peace officers. It can also order a battering intervention program.

What should I do now?

• Read the order and follow it from the moment you are served.
• Write down the hearing date, time and court.
• Do not contact the applicant, directly or through friends or social media.
• Save messages, call logs and photos, and list possible witnesses.

How do I get started?

The first consultation is free. It is with a Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. Clients who hire us work with an attorney. Call (214) 239-2013 or start a chat. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.

Last updated October 2026