The Forensic Center of Excellence

Legal Advocacy Service

Legal Assistance:

The Forensic Center of Excellence provides free legal assistance to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or abuse, and human trafficking access legal protections such as temporary and permanent orders of protection. Clients may be eligible for other legal representation related to expungements and orders of nondisclosure.

These services are available by appointment. For questions about the legal advocacy program please contact Micala Clark at 281-657-4782.

Services:

• Protective Orders

• Expungements

• Orders of Nondisclosure

Hours:

9:30 am-4 pm

(Spanish speaking by appointment phone call)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What types of protective orders are available?

There are three types of orders of protection based on family violence. Temporary Protective Orders and Protective Orders are issued by a civil court upon your application. Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protective is issued by a criminal court after the abuser is arrested. These same protections are offered for victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, indecent assault, stalking, and trafficking.

How long does a protective order last?

Up to two years or in some situations it could be permanent.

What protections can I get in a protective order?

Abuser must stop committing acts of family violence, stop all communication with you or a family member, stop harassing or threatening communication, stay away from your home or place of employment, stay away from a school that a child protected under the order attends, complete a battering intervention and prevention program, attend counseling, pay child or spousal support for the time you have the protective order, not possess any firearms, leave your home or other specified property and allow you to remain there, and more.

Will my personal information remain confidential?

Yes. If requested, the judge can order the address and phone number be removed from the protective order.

When would I qualify for expungement?

There are different ways to become eligible for expungement in Texas, but they usually require you to have your case dismissed or to be acquitted (found “Not Guilty”) by a jury.

What crimes are eligible for expungement?

Many different crimes are eligible for expungement in Texas. However, an expunction may only be obtained for Class C Misdemeanors without a conviction, when no formal charges are brought (offense never indicted), the charges have been dismissed, after successful completion of a Pre-Trial Diversion program, a jury acquitted you, you receive a pardon, or a court of appeals enters an acquittal on your record.