Protective order defense in Parker County

This page covers protective order cases in Parker 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 Parker County courts. For Texas-wide law, see our protective orders guide, and for other charges see the Parker County criminal defense page.

Where are Parker County protective order cases handled?

In Parker County, protective orders are civil orders granted by a judge after one or more hearings. Applications through the government are handled by the Parker County Attorney's Assault Family Violence Unit, 101 N. Main St., Weatherford, not by the District Attorney.

How does the Parker County prosecutor handle protective orders?

The County Attorney's unit uses an intake packet to decide whether it can help. Its victim information says that, for the office to consider an application, the violence must have occurred within the last 30 days. If the office takes the case, the applicant signs a sworn affidavit that is filed with the application, and the case goes to a hearing.

What happens after you are served in Parker County?

The office's intake packet explains that a temporary ex parte order is not effective until the respondent is formally served with the application, the order setting the hearing and the temporary order. Once served, follow it exactly. The packet also notes that an agreed order at the hearing can make testimony unnecessary, and that both sides are bound by its terms.

How should you prepare for a Parker County hearing?

Misdemeanor family violence assaults in Parker County are prosecuted by the County Attorney, the same office that files many protective orders, so what you say at a protective order hearing can matter in a related criminal case. Bring texts, call logs and witness names, and get advice before you testify or agree to an order, since agreed orders can affect firearms, housing and children.

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