A protective order is a legal document signed by a judge to protect a victim against:

• Acts of family violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
• Harassment or threats against the victim
• An abuser going near a school or daycare to protect a child; or
• An abuser going near a victim's residence or place of employment.

Any person listed below may apply for a protective order:

• Spouse
• Ex-spouse
• Biological parents of the same child
• Members or former members of the same household
• Persons who have or have had a continuing social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature
• Guardian
• In-law (related by marriage)
• Relative (related by blood)
• Individuals in a current or former dating relationship
• Victims of sexual assault
• Victims of indecent assault
• Victims of stalking
• Victims of human trafficking

To process your application, we will need:

• A copy of an official picture ID with your complete name.
• A current and complete address where we can find the person against whom you are filing.
• A description of the incidents of violence, sexual assault, indecent assault, stalking/harassment, or human trafficking that have occurred.

After submitting the questionnaire above, we will let you know if we can assist with your case. If your case is accepted for filing, we will prepare all documentation and file it with the court. A hearing will be scheduled. If there is a clear and present danger of violence, sexual assault or stalking, a temporary protective order may be requested on your behalf the same day you apply. Thereafter, a final hearing will be scheduled, usually within 14 days.

A temporary protective order is in effect from the time it is issued until the time of the final hearing, although it is not enforceable by arrest until after the respondent is served with a copy. A final protective order is usually in effect for up to two years from the date it is issued. In some circumstances, a protective order may be issued for longer than two years.

An emergency protective order may only be issued by a magistrate when a defendant is arrested for a criminal offense involving family violence, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault or stalking.

Emergency protective orders may be requested by the victim of the offense, the guardian of the victim, a peace officer or the attorney representing the state. In addition, a magistrate may issue an emergency protective order on his own motion.

An emergency protective order is effective immediately upon issuance and may be in effect for up to 91 days from the date it was issued. Most emergency protective orders prohibit the same behaviors that a protective order prohibits issued through the family court prohibits.

• It will not order the abuser to stay a certain distance from your body!
• It is not a bulletproof vest or safety shield. You must be careful and take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
• It is not a substitute for court-ordered visitation or custody.

It is a criminal offense to violate any provision of the protective order. The respondent may be arrested, and criminal charges may be brought against them by the District Attorney's Office. For more information you may contact the DA’s Office at (915) 546-2059 or visit them on the second floor of the El Paso County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio, El Paso, Texas.