Question 1

Does a protective order go on my permanent record?

Accepted Answer

A protective order is a civil order. It does not create a criminal record by itself. However, the order is entered into the Texas Protective Order Registry maintained by the Office of Court Administration, into DPS records, and into the national NCIC Protection Order File. Access to the Texas registry is primarily limited to law enforcement and prosecutors, but the order is a public court record and can surface in certain background checks. If you violate the order and are convicted, that conviction will create a criminal record.

Question 2

Does a protective order affect my right to own a firearm?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8)), possessing a firearm while subject to a qualifying domestic violence protective order is a federal crime. This prohibition applies for the duration of the order. It is separate from the lifetime prohibition that applies after a domestic violence conviction. The restoration pathways for each prohibition differ. Speak with an attorney about your specific situation.

Question 3

Can the protected person drop a protective order in Texas?

Accepted Answer

No. Only a judge can modify or lift a protective order. The protected person can request that the order be modified or dismissed, but the court is not required to grant that request. Even if the protected person tells you it is safe to contact them, do not do so until a judge has officially modified the order in writing. You should not rely on their word alone.

Question 4

What if the protective order was based on false allegations?

Accepted Answer

If the protective order was obtained based on false or exaggerated allegations, you have the right to contest it at a hearing. An attorney can help you gather evidence, including texts, emails, witness statements, and other documentation, to challenge the applicant's account. Read more about fighting false accusations of domestic violence in Texas.

Question 5

Can I still see my children if a protective order is entered against me?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the terms of the order. The court may grant supervised visitation, specify communication methods, or in some cases restrict contact entirely. Under 2025 Texas law, the protective order will transfer into any related custody proceeding, giving the family court judge direct access to its conditions. Read more about how a domestic violence conviction affects child custody in Texas.

Question 6

How long does a protective order last in Texas?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type. A Magistrate's Order of Emergency Protection lasts 31 to 91 days. A temporary ex parte order lasts approximately 20 days until a hearing. A final protective order typically lasts up to two years. Under 2025 Texas law, protective orders in divorce cases last until two years after the final divorce decree, and in custody cases until two years after the final custody order.

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