Violating a protective order can be a felony in Texas, but it’s not always the case. A protective order is a legal safeguard put in place by the court, used to prevent further acts of violence or harassment in domestic violence situations. Violating a protective order is typically considered a class A misdemeanor, but things can escalate – fast.
A violation becomes a felony when certain conditions are met, and any felony violation of a protective order in Texas carries serious consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. So, yes, violating a protective order can be classified as a felony in Texas, particularly when the offense involves family violence, sexual assault, or repeated offenses.
At M|C Criminal Law, our Dallas, Texas, criminal defense attorneys are here to defend you against these charges, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair defense. Violating a protective order isn’t just about breaking the law; it’s about your future, your family, and your freedom.
In Texas, the offense of violation of a protective order is typically a misdemeanor offense. The law covers various actions that constitute a violation, such as committing family violence, communicating in a threatening or harassing manner, going near the protected individual’s residence or workplace, possessing a firearm, and more.
So, when does this cross the line into felony territory? There are a few specific situations where violating a protective order becomes a felony violation of protective order in Texas:
Understanding what constitutes a felony violation of a protective order in Texas can help you avoid actions that might lead to severe legal consequences. If you’re already facing charges of a felony violation of a protective order in Texas, the stakes are high.
You need an experienced defense attorney who understands the complexities of the Texas legal system and has a track record of success in defending against these types of criminal charges, such as M|C Criminal Law.
Penalties vary depending on whether the violation is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. For a misdemeanor offense, you could face fines of up to $4,000 and jail time of up to one year. However, if there’s a pattern of violating behavior or engaging in anything that causes physical harm or serious intimidation, the violation offense is elevated to a third-degree felony.
When the violation of a protective order is a felony, the consequences are much more severe:
A felony charge in Texas will also result in a permanent criminal record, which can have long-lasting effects on your ability to secure employment, housing, and more.
A protective order is designed to protect domestic violence victims from further acts of violence. If you violate this order, the criminal offense hinges on proving that the violation was willful and that the conditions of bond were broken. What happens if you’re facing a felony charge for violating a protective order in Texas? First, you need to hire legal help and explore possible defenses to ensure you get a fair shot in court.
At M|C Criminal Law, we approach every case with a strategy tailored to your unique situation. We believe everyone deserves a robust defense, no matter the felony charge they face. As your dedicated Texas criminal defense attorney, we’ll focus on:
With years of experience defending against criminal charges, our Dallas team knows the ins and outs of Texas law and is not afraid to fight aggressively for you in court. We’ve successfully defended thousands of clients in complex domestic violence cases.
Every case is different, and we’ll build a tailored defense strategy that fits your unique circumstances. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor offense or a violation of a protective order felony, we’ll ensure your voice is heard and your rights protected.
If you’ve been accused of a felony violation of a protective order in Texas, don’t wait – contact M|C Criminal Law immediately. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers will fight for your rights and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. Protect your future with the right defense team in your corner.
