How to File a Protective Order in Dallas, Texas
A protective order will help you take control of an abusive situation. With a protective order, you can control an abuser's access to you. If an abuser is near you or in an area that is considered protected, as per the order, the police will arrest the abuser. In Texas, a protective order is active for two years, after which it can be renewed. The entire process of obtaining a restraining order will take about two weeks. If you need a restraining order is less time, you must request an emergency restraining order.
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Instructions
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1
Write a list of addresses that you will need to include as part of the protective order. Write the current address of the person you want restrained. Enter both his home and work address, if you have them. Jot down the full addresses of the areas where you want to be protected such as your home, relatives' homes, school and work.
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2
Go to the Family Violence Division of the District Attorney's office at the Frank Crowley Courthouse; 133 North Industrial Blvd.; 10th Floor; Dallas, Texas. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bring your state-issued identification card or driver license.
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Inform the clerk that you want to file a protective order. If you need an emergency restraining order, be sure to mention that. The clerk will give you an application.
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4
Complete the application. Enter your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, plus any personal information you have on the person you want restrained. Enter the addresses from Step 1 into the application in the corresponding fields as well. Also, explain the abuse in writing.
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5
Speak with the victim's advocate and explain the abuse. Be as detailed as possible and include dates that the abuse occurred on. The victim's advocate will take your picture for the file and photograph any injuries and file the protective order application. A judge will sign the order within 24 hours. You will receive a date to come back to court for the hearing. The abuser will be served notice and has the option to appear at the hearing. If you have an emergency protective order, the order is active as soon as the abuser receives a copy.
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6
Appear in court on the date of the hearing. With the help of the Assistant District Attorney, explain the abuse. If the judge feels the abuse is likely to occur again, a protective order will be granted.
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7
Make several copies of the order. Keep one for your records. Give another copy to the Dallas Police Department at: 1400 S. Lamar St.; Dallas, Texas, 75215. Give additional copies to others that need to be informed of the order such as your building's security guard.
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