THE STATE OF TEXAS

THE TEXAS FAMILY VIOLENCE

BENCHBOOK

September 2011 EDITION

A READY REFERENCE MANUAL PREPARED FOR

THE JUDGES OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

PREPARED BY THE

OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION 205 West 14th Street, Suite 600

Tom C. Clark Building (78701)

P.O. Box 12066

Austin, Texas 78711-2066

512/463-1625

FAX: 512/463-1648

www.courts.state.tx.us

This project was funded by the Department of Justice‘s Office of Violence Against

Women‘s STOP Grant No. WF-08-V30-21069-01, awarded by the Criminal Justice Division

of the Office of the Governor of Texas. The views expressed in this Benchbook

do not necessarily represent an official position of the Department of Justice, the State of Texas, or the

Office of the Governor.

i — The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011

USER’S GUIDE

Bullets:

The use of the signifies the entry is part of a single sentence

The use of the signifies the entry is part of list

Chapter organization and formatting. Each substantive chapter is divided into two

parts: Part I contains primary sources (statutes annotated with case law); Part II

contains the non-primary sources and references.

Civil and criminal law topics are addressed separately as are the different types of

protective orders. Child custody, support, and abduction in the context of protective

orders are addressed both in separate chapters and in pertinent sections of other

chapters.

Each chapter title is followed by a list of the statutes addressed in the chapter. The

chapter begins with a summary of the topics covered. As noted above, Part I of the

chapter sets out the statutes, in outline form, annotated with relevant case law that

appears in the footnotes.

Part II of each chapter begins with a narrative summary of the statutes. Thereafter,

statistical or other relevant information from secondary sources is presented.

Citation format. The cited statutes and case law are contained in the Lexis 2010 online

legal database. Therefore, the citation format used was for electronic sources (see

Bluebook Rules 12 and 18). However, the parenthetical (Lexis 2010) after each cite

was omitted as unnecessarily repetitive. Bluebook and Texas rules for case law

citations were followed.

Document Map (expandable table of contents) feature. Each page should display

three icons in the upper left corner. Clicking on the middle icon will open the

Document Map, which contains a navigable table of contents (TOC). The user can click

on the ―+‖ or ―-‖ sign to the left of each entry to collapse or expand the levels of TOC

displayed. By clicking on an entry on the Document Map, the cursor will move directly

to the page for that entry.

Hyperlinks to citations: Statutes and case law citations have been hyperlinked into the

Lexis online legal database. By opening the user‘s online Lexis account and then

opening the Benchbook, the user can link directly to the statute or case in the Lexis

database. Users lacking Lexis access can go to Texas Courts Online at

http://www.courts.state.tx.us/ to access case law cited in the Benchbook and to the

Texas Constitution and Statutes homepage at: http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/ to

link to statutes.

http://www.courts.state.tx.us/http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/

The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011 — ii

Hyperlinks within sections. Some sections have internal hyperlinks on the first page.

For instance, the first page of the Texas cases list has a hyperlinked alphabet so the user

can search for cases by the first letter of the citation.

Index. The page number listed in the General Index corresponds to the page number

listed in the footer on each page. The ―Go To‖ feature on the toolbar navigates to the

page number that appears on the toolbar, which differs from the page number in the

footer.

Indices and cross-references. Chapter 19 contains the indices and cross-references to:

Texas cases, federal cases, statutes, journal article abstracts, and the general index.

Navigation: From any place in the text, to return to the previous place in the text, hit

the ―Alt‖ key and the back arrow (←) key, sequentially.

Resources: Chapter 19 includes a resource list for internet resources, telephonic

hotlines, and other material.

Search: To use the search function, click ―edit‖ in the tool bar then click ―find‖ and

enter the term to be located. The user can also insert the search term in the ―Find‖ box

on the toolbar and click on the ˇ mark next to that box.

Table of Contents. The Table of Contents (TOC) in the Benchbook (as opposed to in

the Document Map) is also navigable. When a TOC entry is clicked, the cursor will

move to the page containing that entry. To return to the TOC, the user presses the

―ALT‖ key and the key sequentially.

iii — The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011

The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011 — iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Family Violence Benchbook was produced by the Office of Court Administration

(OCA) with funding from the United States Department of Justice Office of Violence

Against Women (OVW)‘s STOP Grant No. WF-08-V30-21069-01, which was awarded

to OCA by the Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of the Office of the Governor in 2009.

OCA thanks both OVW and CJD for making this project possible.

A special thanks to the following persons whose contributions and support were

instrumental in the production of the Benchbook:

Office of Court Administration:

Carl Reynolds, Administrative Director

Mary Cowherd, Deputy Director

Mena Ramon, General Counsel

Glenna Bowman, Chief Financial Officer

Tina Washington, Deputy Chief Financial Officer

Darrell Childers, Web Developer

Marilyn Galloway, Legal Programs Manager

Amanda Hafer, Senior Accountant

Katherine Martinez, Judicial Information Specialist

Shelly Ortiz, Administrative Assistant

Amanda Stites, Research Specialist

Jessica Tyler, Research Specialist

Sarah Valdez, Intern

Charlotte Velasco, Systems Analyst

Texas Council on Family Violence:

Gloria Terry, Executive Director

Aaron Setliff, Director of Public Policy

Tracy Grinstead-Everly, Policy Manager

Andrea Edgerson, Policy Coordinator

Stephanie Gonzalez

Kate McAlister, Administrative Support

Krista Del Gallo, Policy Manager

Mary Lowry, Policy Analyst

Ann Williams, Policy Analyst

Wade Treichler, Director of Design and Interactive Communications

Criminal Justice Division, Office of the Governor:

Christopher Burnett, Executive Director

Ryan Clinton, Program Manager

Angela Martin, Program Manager

Mary Wingo McCaffity, Program Specialist

v — The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011

Judiciary:

Hon. Tamara Arrington, Associate Judge, Title IV-D Court

hosted by Williamson County, Texas

Hon. Michael Denton, Travis County Court-at-Law No. 4

Hon. Monica Gonzalez, Bexar County Court-at-Law No. 13

Hon. Rusty Ladd, Lubbock County Court-at-Law No. 1

Hon. Patricia Macias, 388th

District Court of El Paso County

Hon. Dean Rucker, 318th

District Court of Midland County

Hon. Robin Sage, 307th

District Court of Gregg County

Hon. Judy Warne, 257th

District Court of Harris County

Attorneys:

Prof. Sarah Buel, Clinical Professor of Law, Sandra Day O‘Connor

College of Law

Myra Downing, Executive Director, Gender and Justice Commission of

Washington State

Abby Frank, Texas Civil Rights Project

Isaac Harrington, Texas Civil Rights Project

Emily Hunt, Domestic Violence Specialist, North Carolina Administrative

Office of the Courts

Linda Icenhauer-Ramirez, Sumpter & Gonzalez, LLP

Bobbie Welling, Supervising Attorney, California Administrative Office of the

Courts

Edna Yang, American Gateways

Texas Office of Attorney General:

Ruth Thornton, Child Support Division

Resources and References:

California Judges Guide to Domestic Violence Cases

Lexis online legal database

North Carolina Domestic Violence Best Practices Guide for

District Court Judges

O‘Connor‘s Criminal Codes Plus

O‘Connor‘s Family Code

Sampson & Tindall‘s Texas Family Code Annotated

Texas District and County Attorney Association‘s Criminal Laws of Texas

West‘s Texas Statutes and Codes

Washington State Gender and Justice Commission‘s Domestic Violence Manual

for Judges

All resources referenced in the Benchbook

The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011 — vi

PREFACE

To present the topic of domestic violence in a neutral way does not

mean I condone it, nor does it mean I do not feel compassion and

concern for its victims. Neutrality does not mean I think both the victim

and the perpetrator share some ―blame‖ for its occurrence. Domestic

violence is criminal conduct. It is the result of a conscious choice made

by one party to an intimate relationship (statistically, that party is usually

male) to engage in dangerous, hurtful and highly inappropriate conduct

against the other to gain or maintain power and control. My neutrality

reflects my effort to approach the topic of domestic violence from the

point of view of a judge and an academic, not an advocate, and to

encourage critical thinking about the legal system‘s efforts to address it.

Hon. Diane Kiesel, Preface to Domestic Violence: Law, Policy, and Practice.1

In the preface to her textbook on domestic violence, Judge Kiesel could have been

describing the purpose of this Benchbook—to set out the Texas and federal laws on

family violence and to consider them with the impartial and unbiased view expected of

a judge. The readers of this Benchbook are encouraged to use the material herein to

begin or continue a critical analysis of how the legal system can best address the

problem of family violence.

This Benchbook is an amalgamation of cases, statutes, and other resources. It both sets

out the basic law within its ―four corners‖ and guides the user to additional material by

exploiting the relevant internet resources. In the 30-odd years since Texas enacted the

first family violence protective order statute, scholarship and technology have

developed to the point where large amounts of scholarly and empirically-based material

are now available literally with a ―click.‖ Rather than rephrase or incorporate material

wholesale, the Benchbook summarizes and links to the pertinent resources.

As for format, the Benchbook is primarily structured to be quickly scanned rather than

closely read. From the editor‘s point of view, success will be measured in part by the

accuracy of the context and by the ease of navigation to that content.

Ann Landeros

Domestic Violence Resource Attorney

Office of Court Administration

Editor

December 2010

1 Diane Kiesel, Domestic Violence: Law, Policy, and Practice xix (2007). Copyright Matthew Bender &

Company, Inc., a member of the LexisNexis Group. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission.

vii — The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................... VII

CHAPTER 1—BEST PRACTICES ............................................................................................................... 1

1.1 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. ..................................................................... 1 1.1.1 Courthouse safety. ......................................................................................................... 1 1.1.2 Courtroom security, arrangement, and etiquette. ......................................................... 3

1.2 DOCKETING FAMILY VIOLENCE CASES. ...................................................................................... 4 1.2.1 Screening cases. ............................................................................................................. 4 1.2.2 Settings. .......................................................................................................................... 5

1.3 CONTINUANCES. ................................................................................................................. 5 1.4 SPECIALIZED TRAINING OF JUDGES AND STAFF. .......................................................................... 6 1.5 COMMUNITY RESOURCES. ..................................................................................................... 7 1.6 LETHALITY ASSESSMENTS. ..................................................................................................... 7 1.7 PRETRIAL RELEASE (BOND). ................................................................................................... 8 1.8 EX PARTE HEARINGS. ............................................................................................................ 9 1.9 AVOIDING CONFLICTS WITH OTHER ORDERS. ........................................................................... 10 1.10 PROTECTIVE ORDER HEARINGS. ............................................................................................ 11 1.11 PROTECTIVE ORDER CONTENTS. ............................................................................................ 12 1.12 FIREARMS. ....................................................................................................................... 17 1.13 CHILD CUSTODY, VISITATION, AND SUPPORT PROVISIONS IN PROTECTIVE ORDERS. .......................... 17 1.14 ORDERS BASED ON AN AGREEMENT....................................................................................... 19 1.15 PROTECTIVE ORDER REGISTRY. ............................................................................................. 20 1.16 MANDATORY REPORTING OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT. .................................................................... 20 1.17 REQUIRED COUNSELING. ..................................................................................................... 20 1.18 COMPLIANCE. ................................................................................................................... 21 1.19 VICTIM RECALCITRANCE AND RECANTATION. ........................................................................... 21 1.20 DISMISSAL OF PROTECTIVE ORDER OR WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION. ......................................... 22 1.21 PRO SE LITIGANTS. ............................................................................................................. 22 1.22 LITIGANTS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP). ............................................................. 23 1.23 IMMIGRANT VICTIMS. ......................................................................................................... 25 1.24 FEDERAL OFFENSES. ........................................................................................................... 26 1.25 EMERGENCY CLOSURES OF COURTS. ...................................................................................... 26 1.26 ADMONISHMENTS AND WARNINGS TO THE DEFENDANT OR RESPONDENT. .................................... 27 1.27 REPORTING VIOLATIONS. .................................................................................................... 27 1.28 DUE PROCESS. .................................................................................................................. 27 1.29 FAMILY VIOLENCE IN CHILD SUPPORT HEARINGS. ...................................................................... 29

CHAPTER 2—DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................. 31

CHAPTER 3—FAMILY CODE TITLE 4 PROTECTIVE ORDERS—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW .......... 55

3.1 ELIGIBILITY; VENUE; APPLICATION CONTENTS. ......................................................................... 55 3.1.1 Standing to apply. ........................................................................................................ 55 3.1.2 Courts with jurisdiction................................................................................................. 56 3.1.3 Venue. .......................................................................................................................... 56 3.1.4 Contents of application. ............................................................................................... 57 3.1.5 Contents of notice of the application. .......................................................................... 59

3.2 TEMPORARY EX PARTE PROTECTIVE ORDER. ............................................................................ 60 3.2.1 Temporary ex parte protective order application. ....................................................... 60 3.2.2 Request for exclusion from residence. .......................................................................... 61 3.2.3 Notice; service; hearing. ............................................................................................... 62

The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011 — viii

3.2.4 Temporary ex parte order contents.............................................................................. 62 3.2.5 Enforcing an order to vacate a residence. .................................................................... 65 3.2.6 Warning in temporary ex parte protective order. ........................................................ 66 3.2.7 Service of temporary ex parte protective order. .......................................................... 67 3.2.8 Extension of term of temporary ex parte protective order. ......................................... 68 3.2.9 Enforcement of temporary ex parte protective order. ................................................. 68 3.2.10 Motion to vacate. ......................................................................................................... 69 3.2.11 Conflicting orders. ........................................................................................................ 69

3.3 PERMANENT PROTECTIVE ORDER; NOTICE, SETTINGS, ANSWER ................................................... 70 3.3.1 Contents of notice. ....................................................................................................... 70 3.3.2 Method of service. ........................................................................................................ 70 3.3.3 Minimum notice period for hearing. ............................................................................ 71 3.3.4 Trial to the court. .......................................................................................................... 71 3.3.5 Indigent respondent’s right to counsel. ........................................................................ 71 3.3.6 Initial settings. .............................................................................................................. 71 3.3.7 Resetting the hearing for insufficient notice. ............................................................... 72

3.4 CONTINUANCES. ............................................................................................................... 72 3.5 ANSWER. ......................................................................................................................... 72 3.6 DEFAULT. ........................................................................................................................ 73 3.7 EVIDENCE AT HEARING. ...................................................................................................... 73 3.8 PERMANENT PROTECTIVE ORDER REQUIREMENTS. ................................................................... 74

3.8.1 Requisites. .................................................................................................................... 74 3.8.2 Terms and conditions of the protective order. ............................................................. 78 3.8.3 Stay away provisions; confidentiality. .......................................................................... 80 3.8.4 Warnings in the permanent order. ............................................................................... 80 3.8.5 Duration of order. ......................................................................................................... 81 3.8.6 Service and delivery. ..................................................................................................... 82 3.8.7 Counseling requirement. .............................................................................................. 84

3.9 ENFORCEMENT. ................................................................................................................ 84 3.10 PROTECTIVE ORDER BASED ON THE PARTIES’ AGREEMENT. ......................................................... 85 3.11 SEPARATE PROTECTIVE ORDERS IN DIVORCE/SAPCR CASES........................................................ 85 3.12 MODIFICATION, VACATION, AND REVIEWS OF AN ORDER. .......................................................... 85

3.12.1 Modification. ................................................................................................................ 85 3.12.2 Vacation of an order. .............................................................................................. 86 3.12.3 Review of continuing need. .......................................................................................... 86

3.13 TRANSFER OF JURISDICTION TO DIVORCE/ SAPCR COURT. ......................................................... 87 3.14 FEES. .............................................................................................................................. 88 3.15 APPEAL. .......................................................................................................................... 88 3.16 DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. ........................................................................................... 89 3.17 MEDIATION INAPPROPRIATE. ............................................................................................... 89

CHAPTER 3—PART II: COMMENTS ...................................................................................................... 91

3.18 OVERVIEW OF THE LAW. ..................................................................................................... 91 3.19 COURT-ORDERED COUNSELING. ........................................................................................... 98 3.20 GOALS OF JUDICIAL INTERVENTION........................................................................................ 99 3.21 SUGGESTED JUDICIAL APPROACHES. ...................................................................................... 99 3.22 EFFICACY OF THE PROTECTIVE ORDER PROCESS. ..................................................................... 100 3.23 LETHALITY ASSESSMENT FACTORS. ...................................................................................... 101 3.24 CHARACTERISTICS OF BATTERERS AND VICTIMS. ..................................................................... 103

3.24.1 Batterers. .................................................................................................................... 103 3.24.2 Victims. ....................................................................................................................... 104 3.24.3 Victims who leave. ...................................................................................................... 104

3.25 BATTERERS’ METHODS OF CONTROL. ................................................................................... 104

ix — The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011

3.25.1 Emotional control. ...................................................................................................... 105 3.25.2 Financial control. ........................................................................................................ 105 3.25.3 Physical control. ......................................................................................................... 105 3.25.4 Sexual control. ............................................................................................................ 106

3.26 DEALING WITH PRO SE LITIGANTS. ....................................................................................... 106 3.27 AN APPLICANT’S JOURNEY THROUGH THE LEGAL SYSTEM ......................................................... 107 3.28 VICTIM NON-COOPERATION. ............................................................................................. 108 3.29 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN SAME-SEX COUPLES. ........................................................................ 109 3.30 CONTEMPT BY APPLICANT. ................................................................................................ 109 3.31 STATEWIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT DATABASE. ........................................................................ 110

CHAPTER 3A—TITLE 4 PROTECTIVE ORDER BASED ON THE PARTIES’ AGREEMENT—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW ................................................................................ 112

3A.1 MANDATORY PROVISIONS. ................................................................................................ 112 3A.2 OPTIONAL PROVISIONS. .................................................................................................... 114

3A.2.1 Applicant. ................................................................................................................... 114 3A.2.2 Respondent................................................................................................................. 115

3A.3 ENFORCEMENT. .............................................................................................................. 117 3A.3.1 Applicant: contempt. .................................................................................................. 117 3A.3.2 Respondent: contempt or criminal charge. ................................................................ 117 3A.3.3 No criminal enforcement against applicant. .............................................................. 117

3A.4 DURATION OF ORDER. ...................................................................................................... 117 3A.5. SERVICE AND DELIVERY OF ORDER. ...................................................................................... 118

3A.5.1 Delivery of permanent order to respondent. .............................................................. 118 3A.5.2 Delivery of the order to the victim or others. ............................................................. 118

3A.6 COUNSELING REQUIREMENT. ............................................................................................. 119 3A.7 SEPARATE PROTECTIVE ORDER IN DIVORCE/SAPCR PROCEEDINGS. ........................................... 119 3A.8 MODIFICATION AND REVIEWS OF AN ORDER. ........................................................................ 120

3A.8.1 Modification. .............................................................................................................. 120 3A.8.2 Review of continuing need. ........................................................................................ 120

3A.9 TRANSFER OF JURISDICTION TO DIVORCE/SAPCR COURT. ....................................................... 121 3A.10 FEES. ............................................................................................................................ 122 3A.11 APPEAL. ........................................................................................................................ 122 3A.12 DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. ......................................................................................... 123

CHAPTER 3A—PART II: COMMENTS.................................................................................................. 124

3A.13 OVERVIEW OF THE LAW. ................................................................................................... 124 3A.14 FINDINGS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE. ......................................................................................... 124 3A.15 MEDIATION INAPPROPRIATE. ............................................................................................. 125

CHAPTER 4—MAGISTRATE’S ORDER OF EMERGENCY PROTECTION—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW ............................................................................................................ 126

4.1 PREDICATE OFFENSES. ...................................................................................................... 126 4.2 STANDING TO APPLY. ....................................................................................................... 127 4.3 HEARING. ...................................................................................................................... 127 4.4 DISCRETIONARY ORDER. ................................................................................................... 128 4.5 MANDATORY ORDER. ....................................................................................................... 128 4.6 SCOPE OF THE ORDER. ...................................................................................................... 128 4.7 CONTENTS OF THE ORDER ................................................................................................. 129 4.8 SERVICE; EFFECTIVE DATE; DURATION; MODIFICATION. ........................................................... 131

4.8.1 Service. ....................................................................................................................... 131 4.8.2 Effective date.............................................................................................................. 132 4.8.3 Duration. .................................................................................................................... 132

The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011 — x

4.8.4 Modification. .............................................................................................................. 132 4.8.5 Transfer of jurisdiction. .............................................................................................. 133

4.9 NOTICE TO OTHER PERSONS. .............................................................................................. 133 4.10 ENFORCEMENT. .............................................................................................................. 133 4.11 FURTHER DETENTION. ...................................................................................................... 133 4.12 NOTICE OF PENDING RELEASE............................................................................................. 134 4.13 GLOBAL POSITION MONITORING. ........................................................................................ 134 4.14 CONFIDENTIALITY OF VICTIM’S IDENTITY. .............................................................................. 134

CHAPTER 4—PART II: COMMENTS .............................................................................................. 136

4.15 OVERVIEW OF THE LAW. ................................................................................................... 136 4.16 SAMPLE ORDER. .............................................................................................................. 138 4.17 BOND. .......................................................................................................................... 138 4.18 EXTENDING THE HOLD OR DETENTION. ................................................................................. 139 4.19 COMPARISON OF MAGISTRATE’S ORDER TO A TEX. FAM. CODE TITLE 4 PROTECTIVE ORDER. .......... 140 4.20 VICTIM’S RIGHTS. ............................................................................................................ 141

CHAPTER 5—PROTECTIVE ORDERS FOR VICTIMS OF COMPELLED PROSTITUTION, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING, OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING (FOR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION), (ART. 7A)—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW ......................................................................... 142

5.1 ELIGIBILITY; JURISDICTION; VENUE. ..................................................................................... 144 5.1.1 Controlling law. .......................................................................................................... 144 5.1.2 Standing to apply. ...................................................................................................... 144 5.1.3 Where to file. .............................................................................................................. 145 5.1.4 Fees. ........................................................................................................................... 146

5.2 CONTENTS OF THE APPLICATION. ........................................................................................ 146 5.3 TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE ORDER. ....................................................................................... 147

5.3.1 Requisites for issuing a temporary order. .................................................................. 147 5.3.2 Notice; service; hearing. ............................................................................................. 147 5.3.3 Temporary protective order. ...................................................................................... 148 5.3.4 Warning on temporary order. .................................................................................... 149 5.3.5 Enforcing an order to vacate a residence. .................................................................. 150

5.4 HEARING. ...................................................................................................................... 150 5.4.1 Minimum notice period for hearing. .......................................................................... 150 5.4.2 Initial setting for hearing. ........................................................................................... 150 5.4.3 Resetting the hearing for insufficient notice. ............................................................. 151 5.4.4 Continuances. ............................................................................................................. 151 5.4.5 Order based on the parties’ agreement. .................................................................... 152 5.4.6 Separate or “mutual” protective orders. .................................................................... 152 5.4.7 Hearsay statement of a child witness. ....................................................................... 152

5.5 ANSWER. ....................................................................................................................... 153 5.6 DEFAULT. ...................................................................................................................... 153 5.7 PERMANENT PROTECTIVE ORDER. ....................................................................................... 154

5.7.1 Required findings for a permanent order. .................................................................. 154 5.7.2 Conditions. .................................................................................................................. 155 5.7.3 Stay away provisions; confidential locations.............................................................. 157 5.7.4 Warning. ..................................................................................................................... 157 5.7.5 Duration. .................................................................................................................... 158 5.7.6 Service and delivery. ................................................................................................... 159 5.7.7 Confidentiality of victim’s identity. ............................................................................. 160

5.8 ENFORCEMENT. .............................................................................................................. 161 5.9 RESCISSION OF THE ORDER. ............................................................................................... 161

xi — The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011

CHAPTER 5—PART II: COMMENTS .............................................................................................. 162

5.10 OVERVIEW OF THE LAW. ................................................................................................... 162 5.11 COMPARISON OF ART. 7A PROTECTIVE ORDER AND A TEX. FAM. CODE TITLE 4 PROTECTIVE ORDER. 166 5.12 VICTIM’S RIGHTS. ............................................................................................................ 167 5.13 BOND CONDITIONS. ......................................................................................................... 168 5.14 CUSTODY OF CHILD CONCEIVED AS A RESULT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT. ............................................. 168 5.15 INCIDENCE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND REPORTING OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS. ...................................... 168 5.16 EFFICACY OF PROTECTIVE ORDERS. ...................................................................................... 168

CHAPTER 5A—PROTECTIVE ORDERS FOR STALKING VICTIMS (ARTICLE 6.09)—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW ............................................................................................................. 169

5A.1 ELIGIBILITY; JURISDICTION; VENUE. ..................................................................................... 170 5A.1.1 Controlling law. .......................................................................................................... 170 5A.1.2 Standing to apply. ...................................................................................................... 170 5A.1.3 Jurisdiction. ................................................................................................................ 170 5A.1.4 Venue. ........................................................................................................................ 171 5A.1.5 Contents of the application. ....................................................................................... 171 5A.1.6 Fees. ........................................................................................................................... 172

5A.2 TEMPORARY ORDER. ........................................................................................................ 172 5A.3 HEARING. ...................................................................................................................... 173

5A.3.1 Minimum notice period for hearing. .......................................................................... 173 5A.3.2 Initial setting for hearing. ........................................................................................... 173 5A.3.3 Resetting the hearing for insufficient notice. ............................................................. 173 5A.3.4 Continuances. ............................................................................................................. 174 5A.3.5 Order based on agreement. ....................................................................................... 174 5A.3.6 Separate or “mutual” protective orders. .................................................................... 174

5A.4 ANSWER. ....................................................................................................................... 175 5A.5 DEFAULT. ...................................................................................................................... 175 5A.6 PERMANENT ORDER CONTENTS. ......................................................................................... 175

5A.6.1 Required findings. ....................................................................................................... 175 5A.6.2 Conditions. .................................................................................................................. 176 5A.6.3 Stay away provisions; confidential locations.............................................................. 177 5A.6.4 Warnings. ................................................................................................................... 177 5A.6.5 Duration. .................................................................................................................... 179 5A.6.6 Service of the order. ............................................................................................. 180 5A.6.7 Delivery to victim and others. ..................................................................................... 180 5A.6.8 Confidentiality of victim’s identity. ............................................................................. 181

5A.7 DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. ......................................................................................... 182

CHAPTER 6—PROTECTIVE ORDERS FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMES MOTIVATED BY BIAS OR PREJUDICE—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW ......................................................................... 184

6.1 BIAS OR PREJUDICE. ......................................................................................................... 184 6.2 CONTROLLING LAW. ......................................................................................................... 184 6.3 ELIGIBILITY; JURISDICTION; VENUE; FEES. .............................................................................. 185

6.3.1 Standing to apply. ...................................................................................................... 185 6.3.2 Jurisdiction. ................................................................................................................ 186 6.3.3 Venue. ........................................................................................................................ 186 6.3.4 Contents of the application. ....................................................................................... 186 6.3.5 No fees for applicant. ................................................................................................. 187 6.3.6 Fees for defendant. .................................................................................................... 187

6.4 TEMPORARY ORDER. ........................................................................................................ 188 6.5 HEARING. ...................................................................................................................... 188

The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011 — xii

6.5.1 Minimum notice period for hearing. .......................................................................... 188 6.5.2 Initial setting for hearing. ........................................................................................... 189 6.5.3 Resetting the hearing for insufficient notice. ............................................................. 189 6.5.4 Continuances. ............................................................................................................. 189 6.5.5 Order based on agreement. ....................................................................................... 190 6.5.6 Separate or “mutual” protective orders. .................................................................... 190

6.6 ANSWER. ....................................................................................................................... 190 6.7 DEFAULT. ...................................................................................................................... 190 6.8 PERMANENT ORDER CONTENTS. ......................................................................................... 191

6.8.1 Requisites. .................................................................................................................. 191 6.8.2 Conditions. .................................................................................................................. 192 6.8.3 Stay away provisions; confidential locations.............................................................. 193 6.8.4 Warnings. ................................................................................................................... 193 6.8.5 Duration. .................................................................................................................... 195 6.8.6 Service on defendant. ................................................................................................. 195 6.8.7 Delivery to victim and others. ..................................................................................... 195 6.8.8 Confidentiality of victim’s identity. ............................................................................. 196

6.9 NOTICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. ........................................................................................ 197 6.10 DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. ......................................................................................... 198 6.11 FEDERAL HATE CRIME LAWS. .............................................................................................. 198

6.11.1 “Hate crime” defined. ................................................................................................. 198 6.11.2 Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act. ................................................................ 199 6.11.3 Scope of laws. ............................................................................................................. 200

CHAPTER 6—PART II: COMMENTS .............................................................................................. 201

6.12 OVERVIEW OF THE LAW. ................................................................................................... 201 6.13 REQUIRED FINDINGS IN CRIMINAL CASES. ............................................................................. 204 6.14 ENHANCED PUNISHMENT RANGES. ...................................................................................... 204 6.15 HATE CRIME STATISTICS. ................................................................................................... 205 6.16 PERPETRATORS. .............................................................................................................. 205

6.16.1 Age. ............................................................................................................................ 205 6.16.2 Race or ethnicity. ........................................................................................................ 206

6.17 MOTIVATIONS; RECIDIVISM. .............................................................................................. 206 6.18 BIAS OR PREJUDICE BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION............................................................... 206 6.19 PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF HATE CRIMES. ........................................................................... 207

CHAPTER 6A—PROTECTIVE ORDERS FOR VICTIMS OF ANY TYPE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW ..................................................................................... 208

6A.1 ELIGIBILITY; JURISDICTION; VENUE. ..................................................................................... 209 6A.1.1 Controlling law. .......................................................................................................... 209 6A.1.2 Standing to apply. ...................................................................................................... 209 6A.1.3 Where to file. .............................................................................................................. 210 6A.1.4 Fees. ........................................................................................................................... 210

6A.2 CONTENTS OF THE APPLICATION. ........................................................................................ 211 6A.3 TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE ORDER. ....................................................................................... 211

6A.3.1 Notice; service; hearing. ............................................................................................. 212 6A.3.2 Temporary protective order contents. ....................................................................... 212 6A.3.3 Warning for temporary, pretrial, and post-trial orders. ............................................. 213 6A.3.4 Enforcing an order to vacate a residence. .................................................................. 215 6A.3.5 Duration. .................................................................................................................... 215

6A.4 PRETRIAL PROTECTIVE ORDER............................................................................................. 215 6A.4.1 Required findings. ....................................................................................................... 215 6A.4.2 Conditions. .................................................................................................................. 216

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6A.4.3 Duration. .................................................................................................................... 217 6A.5 POST-TRIAL PROTECTIVE ORDER. ........................................................................................ 217

6A.5.1 Required findings. ....................................................................................................... 218 6A.5.2 Conditions. .................................................................................................................. 218 6A.5.3 Duration. .................................................................................................................... 219

6A.6 HEARING. ...................................................................................................................... 220 6A.6.1 Minimum notice period for hearing. .......................................................................... 220 6A.6.2 Initial setting for hearing. ........................................................................................... 220 6A.6.3 Resetting the hearing for insufficient notice. ............................................................. 221 6A.6.4 Continuances. ............................................................................................................. 221 6A.6.5 Order based on the parties’ agreement. .................................................................... 222 6A.6.6 Separate or “mutual” protective orders. .................................................................... 222

6A.7 ANSWER. ....................................................................................................................... 222 6A.8 DEFAULT. ...................................................................................................................... 222 6A.9 SERVICE AND DELIVERY. .................................................................................................... 223

6A.9.1 Service. ....................................................................................................................... 223 6A.9.2 Delivery to the victim and others. .............................................................................. 224

6A.10 ENFORCEMENT. .............................................................................................................. 224 6A.11 RESCISSION OF THE ORDER. ............................................................................................... 225 6A.12 CONFIDENTIALITY OF VICTIM’S INFORMATION. ...................................................................... 225

CHAPTER 7—PROTECTIVE ORDERS IN DIVORCE CASES AND SUITS AFFECTING THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW .............................................. 226

7.1 DUTY TO INFORM. ........................................................................................................... 226 7.1.1 Court’s duty to inform party; collaborative law. ........................................................ 226 7.1.2 Party’s duty to inform court. ...................................................................................... 227

7.2 EX PARTE ORDERS: DIVORCE TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER VS. TITLE 4 PROTECTIVE ORDERS. ... 227 7.3 PROTECTIVE ORDERS IN DIVORCE/SAPCR PROCEEDINGS. ........................................................ 227

7.3.1 Jurisdiction. ................................................................................................................ 227 7.3.2 Separate order required. ............................................................................................ 228 7.3.3 Transfer of pending protective order application to divorce court. ........................... 228 7.3.4 Transfer of court files; fees for transfer. ..................................................................... 228 7.3.5 Spousal maintenance. ................................................................................................ 229

7.4 SAPCR CONSERVATORSHIP AWARDS................................................................................... 230 7.4.1 Sole or joint managing conservator. .......................................................................... 230 7.4.2 Possessory conservator. ............................................................................................. 231 7.4.3 Rebuttable presumptions regarding the child’s best interest. ................................... 232 7.4.4 Limits on access to a child. ......................................................................................... 233 7.4.5 Conditions for access. ................................................................................................. 234 7.4.6 Conviction and SAPCR modification. .......................................................................... 235 7.4.7 False claims and SAPCR modifications. ...................................................................... 235

7.5 ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS WITH CHILD. ....................................................................... 235 7.6 APPEAL. ........................................................................................................................ 236 7.7 FAMILY VIOLENCE IN CHILD SUPPORT CASES. ......................................................................... 236

7.7.1 Parent locator services. .............................................................................................. 236 7.7.2 Domestic violence issues. ........................................................................................... 237 7.7.3 FPLS confidentiality determination. ........................................................................... 237

7.8 IMPROVING SAFETY IN CHILD SUPPORT CASES. ....................................................................... 237

CHAPTER 7—PART II: COMMENTS .................................................................................................... 239

7.9 OVERVIEW OF THE LAW. ................................................................................................... 239 7.10 EFFECT OF FAMILY VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN. .......................................................................... 241 7.11 RESULTS OF CHILDHOOD EXPOSURE TO FAMILY VIOLENCE. ....................................................... 242

The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011 — xiv

7.12 CHILD MALTREATMENT AND FAMILY VIOLENCE. ..................................................................... 242 7.13 SUPERVISED VISITATION ISSUES. ......................................................................................... 242

CHAPTER 8—PRE-TRIAL CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND FAMILY VIOLENCE: DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, JUDGES, AND PROSECUTORS; AND THE RIGHTS OF THE VICTIM IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW .................... 245

8.1 DUTIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. ......................................................................................... 246 8.1.1 Duties of peace officers. ............................................................................................. 246 8.1.2 Duties of law enforcement agencies. ......................................................................... 247

8.2 DUTIES OF PROSECUTORS. ................................................................................................. 249 8.3 DUTIES OF JUDGES. .......................................................................................................... 250 8.4 BAIL. ............................................................................................................................ 253

8.4.1 Denial of bail after arrest for protective order or bond condition violation. .............. 253 8.4.2 Bail hearing after arrest for violation of a protective order or bond condition. ......... 254 8.4.3 Post-bond detention. .................................................................................................. 254 8.4.4 Notice to victim of accused person’s release. ............................................................. 255

8.5 BOND CONDITIONS. ......................................................................................................... 255 8.5.1 Family violence offenses. ............................................................................................ 255 8.5.2 Global position monitoring system. ........................................................................... 256 8.5.3 Stalking offenses. ....................................................................................................... 257 8.5.4 Bond revocation. ........................................................................................................ 257

8.6 VICTIM’S RIGHTS: FEDERAL LAWS. ....................................................................................... 258 8.6.1 Right of victim to be heard at bail hearing. ................................................................ 258 8.6.2 Crime Victims’ Rights Act. .......................................................................................... 258 8.6.3 Restitution. ................................................................................................................. 259

8.7 VICTIM’S RIGHTS: TEXAS LAWS. .......................................................................................... 259 8.7.1 Crime victim’s rights. .................................................................................................. 259 8.7.2 Victim’s right to privacy.............................................................................................. 261 8.7.3 Notice of release or escape. ....................................................................................... 261 8.7.4 Victim’s rights: criminal proceeding affected: ............................................................ 261

CHAPTER 8—PART II: COMMENTS .............................................................................................. 263

8.8 OVERVIEW OF THE LAW. ................................................................................................... 263 8.8.1 Law enforcement investigatory duties. ...................................................................... 263 8.8.2 Law enforcement duties: detention and release. ....................................................... 265 8.8.3 Prosecutor’s duties. .................................................................................................... 266 8.8.4 Judge’s duties. ............................................................................................................ 267 8.8.5 Bond conditions: family violence offenses or stalking. ............................................... 267 8.8.6 Crime victim’s rights. .................................................................................................. 269

8.9 CRIME VICTIMS’ COMPENSATION. ....................................................................................... 272 8.10 SOCIAL SERVICES FOR VICTIMS. ........................................................................................... 274

8.10.1 Shelters and other victim services. ............................................................................. 274 8.10.2 Battering intervention prevention programs. ............................................................ 274 8.10.3 Child support services. ................................................................................................ 274 8.10.4 Temporary assistance for needy families (TANF). ...................................................... 274 8.10.5 Hotlines. ..................................................................................................................... 275

CHAPTER 9—CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT OF PROTECTIVE ORDERS, MAGISTRATE’S ORDER OF EMERGENCY PROTECTION,AND BOND CONDITIONS—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW ...................................................................................................................... 276

9.1 PENAL CODE § 25.07: VIOLATION OF A FAMILY CODE PROTECTIVE ORDER. ............................... 277 9.1.1 Elements of the offense. ............................................................................................. 277 9.1.2 Definitions. ................................................................................................................. 280

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9.1.3 Venue; burden and standard of proof; mediation referral prohibited. ...................... 281 9.1.4 Defenses. .................................................................................................................... 282 9.1.5 Dual prosecution. ....................................................................................................... 283 9.1.6 Continuances. ............................................................................................................. 283 9.1.7 Jury charge. ................................................................................................................ 283 9.1.8 Level of offense........................................................................................................... 284 9.1.9 Enhancement of punishment. .................................................................................... 284 9.1.10 Sentencing. ................................................................................................................. 285 9.1.11 Warning. ..................................................................................................................... 285

9.2 PENAL CODE § 25.07: VIOLATION OF A MAGISTRATE’S ORDER OF EMERGENCY PROTECTION. ........ 285 9.2.1 Elements of the offense. ............................................................................................. 285 9.2.2 Definitions. ................................................................................................................. 287 9.2.3 Burden and standard of proof. ................................................................................... 287 9.2.4 Defenses. .................................................................................................................... 287 9.2.5 Dual prosecution. ....................................................................................................... 287 9.2.6 Level of offense........................................................................................................... 288 9.2.7 Enhancement of punishment. .................................................................................... 288

9.3 PENAL CODE § 25.07: VIOLATION OF A BOND CONDITION. ..................................................... 288 9.3.1 Elements of the offense. ............................................................................................. 288 9.3.2 Definitions. ................................................................................................................. 290 9.3.3 Burden and standard of proof. ................................................................................... 290 9.3.4 Defenses. .................................................................................................................... 290 9.3.5 Dual prosecution. ....................................................................................................... 291 9.3.6 Level of offense........................................................................................................... 291 9.3.7 Enhancement of punishment. .................................................................................... 291

9.4 PENAL CODE § 25.071: VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER FOR OFFENSES MOTIVATED BY BIAS OR PREJUDICE. ..................................................................................................................... 292

9.4.1 Elements of the offense. ............................................................................................. 292 9.4.2 Bias or prejudice defined. ........................................................................................... 293 9.4.3 Defenses. .................................................................................................................... 293 9.4.4 Dual prosecution. ....................................................................................................... 293 9.4.5 Level of offense........................................................................................................... 294 9.4.6 Enhancement of punishment. .................................................................................... 294

9.5 PENAL CODE § 38.112: VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER FOR A VICTIM OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING, COMPELLED PROSTITUTION, OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING (FOR SEXUAL EXPLOITATION). ....... 294

9.5.1 Elements of the offense. ............................................................................................. 294 9.5.2 Burden and standard of proof. ................................................................................... 295 9.5.3 Defenses. .................................................................................................................... 295 9.5.4 Dual prosecution. ....................................................................................................... 295 9.5.5 Level of offense........................................................................................................... 295 9.5.6 Enhancement of punishment. .................................................................................... 295

CHAPTER 9—PART II: COMMENTS .............................................................................................. 296

9.6 OVERVIEW OF THE LAW. ................................................................................................... 296 9.6.1 Violation of a protective order, magistrate’s order of emergency protection, or a

condition of bond. (Tex. Penal Code § 25.07). ............................................................ 296 9.6.2 Violation of a protective order for a victim of a crime motivated by bias or prejudice.

(Tex. Penal Code § 25.071) ......................................................................................... 301 9.6.3 Violation of a protective order for a victim of a sexual assault (Tex. Penal Code §

38.112) ....................................................................................................................... 302 9.7 VICTIM COOPERATION. ..................................................................................................... 302

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CHAPTER 10—CRIMES RELATED TO FAMILY VIOLENCE, STALKING, AND SEXUAL ASSAULT; CRIMES MOTIVATED BY BIAS OR PREJUDICE—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW ..................................................................................................................... 304

10.1 FINDING REQUIRED. ......................................................................................................... 305 10.2 FAMILY VIOLENCE DEFINED. ............................................................................................... 307 10.3 MANDATORY FEE FOR PROBATION FOR OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON. .................................... 308 10.4 COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES. ............................................................................................ 309

10.4.1 Divorce/SAPCR. ........................................................................................................... 310 10.4.2 Possession of firearms. ............................................................................................... 313 10.4.3 Occupational licenses. ................................................................................................ 314 10.4.4 Bail.............................................................................................................................. 314 10.4.5 Immigration issues. .................................................................................................... 315 10.4.6 Military. ...................................................................................................................... 315

10.5 REQUIRED FINDING IN CRIMES MOTIVATED BY BIAS OR PREJUDICE. ............................................ 316 10.6 HOMICIDE (PENAL CODE CHAPTER 19). .............................................................................. 318 10.7 UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT (PENAL CODE §§ 20.01 AND 20.02). ................................................. 319

10.7.1 Class A misdemeanor unlawful restraint. ................................................................... 319 10.7.2 State jail felony unlawful restraint. ............................................................................ 321 10.7.3 Third degree felony unlawful restraint. ...................................................................... 321 10.7.4 Finding of family violence. .......................................................................................... 321 10.7.5 Affirmative defense. ................................................................................................... 321

10.8 KIDNAPPING (PENAL CODE §§ 20.03-20.04). ..................................................................... 322 10.8.1 Third degree felony kidnapping. ................................................................................. 322 10.8.2 First degree felony aggravated kidnapping. .............................................................. 323 10.8.3 Second degree felony aggravated kidnapping. .......................................................... 327 10.8.4 Finding of family violence. .......................................................................................... 327 10.8.5 Affirmative defense. ................................................................................................... 327

10.9 TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS (PENAL CODE CHAPTER 20A). ........................................................ 328 10.9.1 Forced labor or services defined. ................................................................................ 328 10.9.2 Manner and means. ................................................................................................... 328 10.9.3 Degrees felony trafficking of persons; venue. ............................................................ 330 10.9.4 Finding of family violence. .......................................................................................... 330

10.10 ASSAULT AND FAMILY VIOLENCE ASSAULT (PENAL CODE § 22.01). ........................................... 330 10.10.1 Class C assault—by threat or offensive contact. ........................................................ 330 10.10.2 Class A assault with bodily injury. .............................................................................. 331 10.10.3 Class A assault by threat or offensive contact (with elderly or disabled person). ...... 332 10.10.4 Finding of family violence. .......................................................................................... 333 10.10.5 Second degree felony family violence assault—prior conviction and strangulation. . 333 10.10.6 Third degree felony family violence assault—prior conviction or strangulation. ....... 334 10.10.7 Reckless mental state ................................................................................................. 335

10.11 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (PENAL CODE § 22.02). ................................................................... 336 10.11.1 Second degree aggravated assault. ........................................................................... 336 10.11.2 First degree felony family violence aggravated assault. ............................................ 337 10.11.3 Notice to military officials. ......................................................................................... 338

10.12 SEXUAL ASSAULT AND AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT (PENAL CODE §§ 22.011 AND 22.021). ..... 339 10.12.1 Definitions. ................................................................................................................. 339 10.12.2 Second degree felony sexual assault. ......................................................................... 340 10.12.3 First degree aggravated sexual assault (Tex. Penal Code § 22.021). ......................... 342

10.13 CONTINUOUS SEXUAL ABUSE OF A CHILD (PENAL CODE § 21.02). ............................................ 343 10.13.1 Elements. .................................................................................................................... 343 10.13.2 Sexual abuse defined. ................................................................................................. 344 10.13.3 Requirements for “continuous” offense. .................................................................... 344

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10.13.4 Affirmative defense. ................................................................................................... 345 10.13.5 Finding of family violence. .......................................................................................... 345

10.14 INJURY TO A CHILD OR TO AN ELDERLY OR DISABLED PERSON (PENAL CODE § 22.04). ................... 345 10.14.1 Elements of the offense. ............................................................................................. 345 10.14.2 Family violence victim’s defense. ............................................................................... 346 10.14.3 Penalty ranges. ........................................................................................................... 346 10.14.4 Finding of family violence. .......................................................................................... 347

10.15 ABANDONING OR ENDANGERING A CHILD (PENAL CODE § 22.041). ......................................... 347 10.15.1 Abandonment defined. ............................................................................................... 347 10.15.2 Elements of the offense. ............................................................................................. 347 10.15.3 Presumption of danger. .............................................................................................. 348 10.15.4 Penalty ranges. ........................................................................................................... 348 10.15.5 Defense. ...................................................................................................................... 348 10.15.6 Exception. ................................................................................................................... 349 10.15.7 Finding of family violence. .......................................................................................... 349

10.16 DEADLY CONDUCT (PENAL CODE § 22.05). ......................................................................... 349 10.16.1 Class A misdemeanor deadly conduct. ....................................................................... 349 10.16.2 Third degree felony deadly conduct. .......................................................................... 350 10.16.3 Recklessness presumed. ............................................................................................. 350 10.16.4 Finding of family violence. .......................................................................................... 350

10.17 TERRORISTIC THREAT (PENAL CODE § 22.07). ...................................................................... 351 10.17.1 Elements of the offense. ............................................................................................. 351 10.17.2 Level of offense........................................................................................................... 351 10.17.3 Finding of family violence. .......................................................................................... 351

10.18 INTERFERENCE WITH CHILD CUSTODY (PENAL CODE § 25.03). ................................................. 352 10.18.1 First manner and means. ............................................................................................ 352 10.18.2 Second manner and means. ....................................................................................... 352 10.18.3 Third manner and means. .......................................................................................... 352 10.18.4 Affirmative defenses and exception. .......................................................................... 353

10.19 CONTINUOUS VIOLENCE AGAINST THE FAMILY (PENAL CODE § 25.11). ..................................... 353 10.19.1 Purpose. ...................................................................................................................... 354 10.19.2 Establishing the continuous nature of the offense. .................................................... 354

10.20 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF (PROPERTY DAMAGE PROVISIONS) (PENAL CODE § 28.03). ......................... 355 10.20.1 First manner and means. ............................................................................................ 355 10.20.2 Second manner and means. ....................................................................................... 355 10.20.3 Third manner and means. .......................................................................................... 355 10.20.4 Penalty ranges. ........................................................................................................... 355 10.20.5 Interest in property not a defense. ............................................................................. 356

10.21 CRIMINAL TRESPASS (PENAL CODE § 30.05). ....................................................................... 356 10.21.1 Class B misdemeanor criminal trespass. .................................................................... 356 10.21.2 Class A misdemeanor criminal trespass. .................................................................... 357

10.22 EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD, AN ELDERLY PERSON, OR A DISABLED PERSON (PENAL CODE § 32.53). . 357 10.22.1 Definition of “exploitation.” ....................................................................................... 357 10.22.2 Elements of the third degree felony offense. ............................................................. 357

10.23 ONLINE HARASSMENT (PENAL CODE § 33.07). .................................................................... 358 10.23.1 Third degree felony online harassment. ..................................................................... 358 10.23.2 Class A misdemeanor online harassment. .................................................................. 358 10.23.3 Definitions. ................................................................................................................. 359

10.24 THIRD DEGREE FELONY OBSTRUCTION OR RETALIATION (PENAL CODE § 36.06). .......................... 360 10.24.1 First manner and means. ............................................................................................ 360 10.24.2 Second manner and means. ....................................................................................... 361

10.25 FALSE STATEMENT REGARDING CHILD CUSTODY DETERMINATION MADE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY (PENAL CODE §37.14). ................................................................................................ 361

The Texas Family Violence Benchbook – September 2011 — xviii

10.26 INTERFERENCE WITH AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CALL (PENAL CODE § 42.062). ........................ 362 10.26.1 Class A misdemeanor interference with an emergency telephone call. ..................... 362 10.26.2 State jail felony interference with an emergency telephone call. .............................. 363

10.27 HARASSMENT (PENAL CODE § 42.07). ............................................................................... 363 10.27.1 Class B misdemeanor harassment.............................................................................. 363 10.27.2 Class A misdemeanor harassment. ............................................................................ 366

10.28 STALKING (PENAL CODE § 42.072). ................................................................................... 366 10.28.1 Third degree felony stalking. ...................................................................................... 366 10.28.2 Second degree felony stalking. ................................................................................... 369 10.28.3 Venue. ........................................................................................................................ 369 10.28.4 Evidence admissible in stalking prosecution. ............................................................. 369 10.28.5 Interstate stalking statute. ......................................................................................... 370

10.29 SEXUAL PERFORMANCE BY A CHILD (PENAL CODE § 43.25). .................................................... 371 10.29.1 Second degree felony. ................................................................................................ 371 10.29.2 First degree felony. ..................................................................................................... 371 10.29.3 Defenses. .................................................................................................................... 371

10.30 UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM (PENAL CODE § 46.04). .............................................. 372 10.30.1 Third degree felony unlawful possession of a firearm. ............................................... 372 10.30.2 Class A misdemeanor unlawful possession of a firearm. ........................................... 372

10.31 INTERSTATE TRAVEL TO COMMIT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. ........................................................... 374 10.32 INTERSTATE STALKING. ..................................................................................................... 374 10.33 INTERSTATE CYBERSTALKING STATUTE. ................................................................................. 375 10.34 INTERSTATE VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER. .................................................................. 375 10.35 SCOPE OF VAWA CRIMINAL PROTECTIONS. .......................................................................... 375

CHAPTER 10—PART II: COMMENTS............................................................................................ 377

10.36 OVERVIEW OF THE LAW. ................................................................................................... 377 10.37 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING STATISTICS. ........................................... 382

10.37.1 Homicide statistics. .................................................................................................... 382 10.37.2 Assault and other injuries by domestic violence......................................................... 382 10.37.3 Sexual assault statistics. ............................................................................................. 382 10.37.4 Stalking statistics. ....................................................................................................... 383

10.38 ABUSE IN SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS. ................................................................................... 384 10.39 STRANGULATION. ............................................................................................................ 385 10.40 STALKING. ..................................................................................................................... 387 10.41 CYBERSTALKING. ............................................................................................................. 388

CHAPTER 11—SELECTED EVIDENTIARY ISSUES—PART I: STATUTES AND CASE LAW ......................... 390

11.1 TEXAS RULES OF EVIDENCE INAPPLICABLE TO CERTAIN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS. .......................... 391 11.2 TRE 202 AND 203: PROOF OF FOREIGN LAWS. .................................................................... 391

11.2.1 Laws of other states. .................................................................................................. 391 11.2.2 Laws of other countries. ............................................................................................. 392

11.3 TRE 404-405: EVIDENCE OF CHARACTER. ........................................................................... 393 11.3.1 Prior bad acts or criminal conduct. ............................................................................ 393 11.3.2 Transactional contextual v. background evidence. .................................................... 395

11.4 TRE 412: EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS SEXUAL CONDUCT. ............................................................ 396 11.5 TRE 504(A): SPOUSAL CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION PRIVILEGE. ........................................ 397

11.5.1 Scope of the privilege. ................................................................................................ 397 11.5.2 Definition. ................................................................................................................... 397 11.5.3 Standing to claim. ............................