Protective order defense in Rockwall County

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

Where are Rockwall County protective order cases handled?

Protective order cases in Rockwall County are civil matters heard at the Rockwall County Courthouse, 1111 E. Yellowjacket Ln., Rockwall, the same building that houses the county and district courts. A related criminal case, if there is one, is prosecuted in that building too.

How does the Rockwall County prosecutor handle protective orders?

Protective order attorneys in the Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney's Office file applications for victims of family violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. Under the office's published rules, the applicant or the alleged abuser must live in Rockwall County, or the incident must have happened there. The office cannot help an applicant who has any criminal charge pending in Rockwall County or who is on parole or probation. Applicants with a pending divorce or custody case may be referred elsewhere or told to use a private attorney. The county directs requests to Women In Need, Inc., 904 N. Goliad St., Rockwall.

What happens after you are served in Rockwall County?

The applicant must give a daytime address where a constable can serve you with notice of the hearing. Once served with any temporary order, follow it exactly. The county notes that an order can, among other things, require you to stay away from listed addresses, bar contact, bar possession of weapons and protect pets.

How should you prepare for a Rockwall County hearing?

Prepare for the hearing by gathering messages, call logs, photos and witnesses. Because the same Criminal District Attorney's Office also prosecutes family violence through its Family Violence Division, think carefully before testifying without advice. The county says a protective order is generally valid for up to two years.

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