how to get a free lawyer in collin county for order of protection

by Ms. Candida Bashirian 3 min read

You can have us examine your case and discuss all of your legal options with you when you call (469) 304-3422 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Protective Order Requirements in Collin County

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How does family law work in Collin County Texas?

The District Courts of Collin County have a large volume of family law disputes which come before the Courts for resolution. The issues involved in this area of litigation include divorce, modification and enforcement of prior orders affecting children.

How do I get an order of protection in Texas?

A Supreme Court order of protection can be issued as part of an ongoing divorce proceeding. If you have an ongoing divorce case and would like to request an order of protection, you may do so by making a written request by Motion or Order to Show Cause; or you may make an oral request at a court appearance.

How does an order of protection work in a criminal case?

In a criminal case, the district attorney requests an order of protection for the victim or complaining witness. The judge decides whether to issue the order of protection and what terms and conditions will be included in the order. A Supreme Court order of protection can be issued as part of an ongoing divorce proceeding.

What can I do if someone violates a restraining order?

The individual does not have to hit you to violate the order. If the individual comes to your home and the order says he/she can't, then you can call the police. You also have the right to file a violation of the order in Family Court. Filing a violation in Family Court usually will not result in arrest of the individual who has violated the order.

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How do I get a protective order in Collin County?

Persons seeking to apply for a protective order may contact the District Attorney's Victim Assistance Division during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After a preliminary screening, the applicant may complete a Protective Order Application and submit it to the Domestic Violence Unit.

What proof do you need for a restraining order in Texas?

Proof of Service must be filed with the court before your hearing date in order to get a protective order if the respondent does not show up. Bring any evidence you have, like photographs, medical records, or torn clothing. Also bring witnesses who know about the violence, like a neighbor, relative, or police.

What is the income limit for legal aid in Texas?

To qualify for free civil legal services, an individual must not earn more than $16,988 per year. A family of four must not earn more than $34,688 per year. Legal aid organizations help more than 140,000 Texas families each year with their civil legal needs.

What is criminal legal aid?

Suspects under arrest at a police station are automatically entitled to free legal advice from a criminal defence lawyer. Legal Aid – also known as public funding – is, however, means tested and this means that some defendants may not be eligible for Legal Aid if a case goes to a Magistrates' Court or Crown Court.

What type of proof do I need to support a restraining order?

Anyone seeking such an order must be prepared to present some physical evidence in addition to their own written statements and testimony in court. Evidence such as photographs, text messages, police reports or medical records. The court will not entertain a simple exchange of allegations.

What is considered harassment in Texas?

What Qualifies as Harassment in TX? Texas law defines harassment as “an act meant to annoy, torment, embarrass, abuse, alarm, or harass another person”. The act of harassment must be a behavior to meet the elements of this crime under Texas law.

What if I can't afford a lawyer in Texas?

The State Bar of Texas Legal Access Division website provides a good starting point for finding free or reduced cost legal help, including a directory of legal aid programs by county, a low-cost lawyer referral service, and free publications in both English and Spanish.

What happens if you can't afford an attorney in Texas?

If you are indigent—not financially able to employ counsel, as defined by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure article 1.051(b)—and charged with a criminal offense higher than a class C misdemeanor, you are entitled to representation by a court-appointed lawyer.

How long does it take for legal aid to be approved?

Applications are usually processed within 25 working days. If we agree a case is urgent, we will prioritise it and make a decision within 10 working days.

Do you have to pay back legal aid costs?

Legal aid is considered a loan. You may have to repay some or all of your legal aid, depending on how much you earn, what property you own and whether you receive any money or property as a result of your case.

What is the income threshold for legal aid?

You qualify for legal aid if: You are on a low income or receive income-related benefits, such as income support, income-related ESA or JSA. If your monthly income, excluding PIP or DLA is above ÂŁ2657 you will not be eligible for legal aid.

What is the test for a grant of legal aid?

In order to be eligible for civil legal aid, the applicant must pass both the income and the capital eligibility test. Full details of how the determination of how much income and capital a person has is made can be found in the Civil Financial Regulations.

What is the Collin County Law Library?

The Collin County Law Library maintains legal references to the judges, litigants of the county and the residents of Collin County. The Law Library Fund is provided by fees collected in connection with civil suit filings. For more information on how they can assist you click Law Library.

How to apply for free legal assistance?

To apply for free legal assistance you may visit an office in your area or call the Centralized Intake Hotline at 1-888-529-5277, press 3 to speak with an attorney. Please note there may be a wait due to the volume of calls received. For more information on applicant eligibility click How to Apply.

What is protective order in Texas?

Protective Orders. Throughout the years the Texas Legislature has created a system of legal protections for victims of family violence. Protective orders have been the primary civil legal remedy since 1979. The advantage of these orders is the criminal penalty that occurs when the orders are disobeyed. Over time, protective orders have come ...

What time does the District Attorney's Office open for protective orders?

Persons seeking to apply for a protective order may contact the District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Division during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After a preliminary screening, the applicant may complete a Protective Order Application and submit it to the Domestic Violence Unit.

Before You Get A Protective Order

Getting a protective order does not cost any money, and you may request one at any time – not necessarily after a violent episode.

Getting A Protective Order

Collin County residents may visit the clerk’s office at the county court or the district court during business hours. The courts are located at:

The Court Hearing For A Protective Order

The court typically sets a hearing date for two weeks after the application for a protective order. You will need to take a copy of the documents you filed with the clerk along with you. Also, if you have any pictures, video, or paper evidence that can help your case, take those along too.

After the court hearing

At the end of the hearing, the judge will review the statements and evidence presented. If the judge concludes you need a protection order, the judge will sign your application. You will need to take this signed order to the clerk, who will certify the document. Make as many copies of the protective order as you want.

If Your Abuser Violates A Protective Order

When the abuser violates the terms of the protective order, report the violation to the Collin County Sheriff’s Office and present a copy of the order. You may call or visit the Sheriff’s Office to report the violation:

Domestic Abuse, Violence, and Getting a Protection Order

Orders of protection are granted to protect the safety of the victim, not to penalize the perpetrator. However, a final restraining order has serious sanctions for the defendant.

Protect Your Child Now

Many women do not know that they may lose custody of their children if they continue to reside with an abusive spouse. We can help you connect with community resources, and help you file for divorce and alimony if you are ready to begin the process.

Take Action Now By Contacting a Denton County Family Law Attorney

Call attorney Linda Risinger at 972-294-6533 or contact us directly when you are ready to get help. We are serious advocates for victims of domestic violence.

What are the issues in Collin County?

Invariably these issues are highly emotional and cause life changing events which result in the dissolution of marriages, disruption of families, division of community property and debts, and orders concerning possession and support of children.

Can a lawyer be present during mediation?

You may have a lawyer present to give you legal advice throughout the mediation process . There are private attorneys trained in mediation techniques as well as non-attorneys who provide mediation services. Each of these alternatives allows parties to be in control of the outcome of their divorce or modification suit.

How to obtain an order of protection in the family court?

To obtain an order of protection in the Family Court, your relationship to the other person must fall into one of the following categories: Someone with whom you have or have had an “intimate relationship.”. An intimate relationship does not have to be a sexual relationship.

What is a criminal court order of protection?

A criminal court order of protection is issued as a condition of a defendant’s release and/or bail in a criminal case. A criminal court order of protection may only be issued against a person who has been charged with a crime. Criminal cases are prosecuted for the State of New York by the district attorney. Although the district attorney may start ...

What is the name of the person who files a petition in family court?

After a petition is filed, the court will decide if it is an intimate relationship. To start a proceeding in Family Court, you need to file a form called a Family Offense petition. The person filing the petition is called the “ petitioner ,” and the person the petition is filed against is called the “ respondent .”.

What court can issue an order of protection?

Family Courts, criminal courts, and Supreme Courts can all issue orders of protection. For information and hotline numbers for addressing situations involving domestic violence, see below. An order of protection may direct the offending person not to injure, threaten or harass you, your family, or any other person (s) listed in the order.

What is an order of protection?

An order of protection is issued by the court to limit the behavior of someone who harms or threatens to harm another person. It is used to address various types of safety issues, including, but not limited to situations involving domestic violence. Family Courts, criminal courts, and Supreme Courts can all issue orders of protection.

How to contact the NYS Office of Domestic Violence?

In NYC: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or dial 311. TTY: 1-866-604-5350. For further help and information regarding what to do in a situation of domestic violence: Go to the Help page of the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Can you file a violation of a court order in family court?

You also have the right to file a violation of the order in Family Court. Filing a violation in Family Court usually will not result in arrest of the individual who has violated the order. You can choose to go to Family or criminal Court, or both.