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Contact Information

Downtown Office
320 S. Campbell St.
2nd Floor, Suite 200
El Paso, Texas 79901
[view map]

Monday-Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm

Phone (915) 273-3238
Fax (915) 273-3277
Email CountyAttorney@epcountytx.gov 

Annex Offices

Ysleta Annex Office
9521 Socorro Rd. Suite A-3
El Paso, Texas 79927
Phone (915) 273-3467
Monday-Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Northwest Office
435 E. Vinton Rd., Suite B
Vinton, Texas 79821
Phone (915) 273-3516
Monday-Friday
8:00 am to 5:00 pm

PROTECTIVE ORDERS

TO REQUEST OUR ASSISTANCE TO APPLY FOR A PROTECTIVE ORDER FROM THE COURT PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS.

Step 1:
Click on the link below to submit your Protective Order Questionnaire.

Protective Order Questionnaire

Step 2:
After submitting the Questionnaire our office will contact you via email.

Step 3:
You will be notified if we are able to assist you with a protective order. If we can proceed, we will call you to discuss your case.

If you have questions call us at (915) 273-3238 or e-mail us at CAProtectiveOrders.gem@epcounty.com.

SOCIAL WORKER SERVICES:

The El Paso County Attorney’s Office offers legal assistance to individuals applying for protective orders. In addition to protective order applications, individuals may also receive crisis intervention, advocacy, and support services through a Licensed Master Social Worker as part of our Victim Resource Program. Services are voluntary and free of charge.

Download our Community Resource Directory for additional information on other local agencies and programs. You can also obtain information and referrals for other services by dialing 2-1-1 and by visiting www.211texas.org

Community Resource Directory

FAQ's

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.

Who can apply for a protective order?

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

What information do you need to apply?

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.

What is the protective order procedure?

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.

How long does a protective order last?

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.

What are emergency protective orders?

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.

What will the protective order not do?

  • 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.

What if the respondent violates the order?

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.