EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez announced on Wednesday, Sept. 3, the implementation of Texas Senate Bill 1120, which is a new law that boosts protection for victims of family violence within the state.
The bill took effect on Sept. 1 and will include changes made by the El Paso County Attorney’s Office.
The bill, introduced earlier this year, aims to “strengthen rights for victims in criminal cases involving family violence, sexual offenses, and stalking,” the County Attorney’s Office said.
The County Attorney’s Office says it championed an amendment to the bill that helps family violence victims get longer protective orders.
“If a protective order is set to end, but a related criminal case, divorce, or child custody is still ongoing, the protective order will be automatically extended for an extra two years.”
El Paso County Attorney’s Office
This means:
- If there’s a divorce case involving the victim, the protective order lasts until two years after the final divorce order is signed.
- If there’s a child custody case, the order lasts until two years after the final decision in that case is made by the court.
- If the person facing the protective order is charged with a family violence crime, the order extends two years after that criminal case is fully resolved.
The bill also helps victims get improved support within the legal system and have the right to be informed about court steps and participate in the process, according to the County Attorney’s Office.
For more information about how to apply for a protective order, contact the El Paso County Attorney’s Office at (915) 273-3242.
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