Orders of Protection in Houston

An order of protection, or protective order, is an order from the court requiring a person to cease and desist from domestic violence and abuse and other destructive behavior in the home. Because it is a civil order, the violation of a protective order can result in the arrest of the offender. A violation can also result in a civil court hearing where the violator may be found in contempt of court and sent to jail. An order of protection order can bar a person from acts of violence, force him to leave home and bar him from places where the victims of his actions frequent such as school or work.

Who is eligible?

Orders of protection are available for members of a family unit. It is not necessary that the parties be married, the only guideline is that they must have lived together now or in the past. An order may be issued to protect a spouse or child in the family from physical abuse, emotional abuse or sexual abuse.

Kinds of Abuse

The most obvious kind of spousal abuse or child abuse is physical. An abuser may strike, choke, restrain, twist the arm, throw down their victims or bite their victims. Emotional abuse involves continual criticism, degrading statements, name-calling, threats and withdrawal of affection. Sexual abuse against a spouse involves forcing degrading sex, holding a partner down during sex and insisting on sex when the partner does not want it. Sexual abuse against children can be devastating to a child and his or her future.

Protecting You and Your Children

At Chernoff Law, we offer help to families who need protective orders in the Houston area. We are experienced in providing effective help to families suffering from abuse, and have extensive experience at obtaining orders of protection and enforcing them.

Do not let the abuse continue. It is your duty to yourself and your family to act. Contact an experienced attorney at the firm for a free phone consultation.