What Is a No-Contact Order After an Assault Arrest in Texas?

If someone you care about has been arrested for assault in Texas, a no-contact order is often one of the first conditions placed on their release. It takes effect the moment they walk out of jail — before any trial, before any conviction — and violating it is a separate criminal offense. Understanding exactly what it prohibits, how long it lasts, and what options exist is critical for every family navigating this situation.

What Is a No-Contact Order?

A no-contact order is a court-issued directive that prohibits a defendant from communicating with or being near a specific person, typically the alleged victim. In Texas assault cases, no-contact orders are almost always issued as a condition of bail release, even before the case goes to trial.



The no-contact order is distinct from a civil protective order, although the two are often confused. A magistrate’s order of emergency protection — which is what typically comes with an assault arrest — is issued automatically in certain circumstances under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 17.292. A civil protective order is obtained separately through a civil court proceeding and can last much longer.

When Are No-Contact Orders Issued in Texas?

Under Article 17.292 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a magistrate is required to issue an emergency protective order (EPO) when the defendant is arrested for:

• An assault offense involving family violence
• Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault
• Stalking
• Aggravated assault

For family violence assault specifically, the EPO is mandatory — the magistrate must issue it. For other assault charges, the magistrate has discretion and may issue one based on the circumstances of the case.

What a No-Contact Order Prohibits

A no-contact order in Texas typically prohibits the defendant from:

• Any direct contact with the protected person — in person, by phone, by text, by email, or through social media
• Contact through a third party — asking a friend or family member to relay a message is a violation
• Going within a specified distance of the protected person’s home, workplace, or school
• Returning to a shared residence, even if the defendant owns or is on the lease
• Possessing a firearm for the duration of the order (federal law, 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(8), prohibits firearm possession under most domestic violence protective orders)

The order takes effect the moment the defendant is released from custody. It is not a temporary inconvenience — it is a legally enforceable condition of bail, and violation is a criminal offense.

How Long Does a No-Contact Order Last?

The duration depends on the type of order:

• Magistrate’s Emergency Protective Order (EPO): valid for 31 to 91 days, depending on the severity of the assault. For cases involving a deadly weapon or serious bodily injury, the minimum duration is 61 days.
• Bond Condition No-Contact Order: lasts for the duration of the criminal case — from arrest through final disposition, which can be months or years.
• Civil Protective Order: obtained separately, can last up to 2 years and be renewed indefinitely if the threat continues.
  

What Happens if You Violate a No-Contact Order?

Violating a no-contact order in Texas is a criminal offense in its own right, separate from the underlying assault charge. Under Texas Penal Code §25.07, violating a protective order is at minimum a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $4,000 fine.

If the violation involves violence, a threat, or is a repeat violation, the charge escalates to a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in state prison. Additionally, violating the no-contact order will result in bond revocation, the defendant is returned to custody and bail is typically forfeited.



Common violations families do not realize are violations: having a mutual friend pass a message, the defendant texting from someone else’s phone, or the alleged victim reaching out first (the order is one-directional — the defendant must not respond regardless of who initiates contact).

Can a No-Contact Order Be Modified or Lifted?

Yes, but it requires a formal court process. The defendant’s attorney can file a motion to modify or lift the no-contact order, and the protected person must consent or not object. A judge then reviews the request at a hearing. A no-contact order cannot be informally cancelled by mutual agreement between the defendant and the alleged victim, only a court order can modify or lift it.



If both parties share children, a family law attorney may seek a modification that allows limited communication for co-parenting purposes, typically through a neutral third party or a parenting app.

Need an Assault Charge Bond in Tarrant County?

Understanding the conditions attached to release — including no-contact orders — starts with getting your loved one out of custody first. For information on bail amounts, the bond process, and what to expect after an assault arrest, visit our Assault Charge Bonds Tarrant County TX page. Or call (817) 834-6285, we answer 24/7.