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The Grammys, Rihanna, and Texas Protective Orders!

In 2009, Chris Brown admitted that he had assaulted Rihanna following a pre-Grammy Awards party.  Presently, there is a restraining order that stops him from contacting Rihanna.  So how could Chris Brown attend the Grammys?  According to Billboard Magazine, the court order, which prevents Brown from coming closer than 50 yards to Rihanna, allows for an exception when both singers are required to attend a music industry event.   At the Grammys, the rules are relaxed and Brown must instead come no closer than ten yards from Rihanna.  Digitalspy.com/Rihanna Article. 

Both stars are nominated for awards, but a 2009 court order remains in place for the singers to steer clear of each other, and Brown is not expected to attend Sunday's awards show, reports AP.  There are questions about whether Rihanna, who has been reported to be battling the flu, will attend. USA Today. 

This case highlights the need for restraining orders and protective orders in dating violence cases.  In Texas, a protective order can be granted where family violence has occurred and is likely to occur in the future. An adult in a dating relationship may file an application for a protective order. Further, any adult may apply for a protective order for the benefit of a child, including a child who is a victim of dating violence. If the protective order is granted, the order can require that a party who committed the violence to do certain acts that the court deems necessary or appropriate to prevent or reduce the likelihood of family violence.   Any party who has a Protective Order granted against them may be required to take a battering-intervention-and-prevention program, may be prohibited from communicating with the protected party or a member of their household in a threatening manner, prohibits the offending party from going to or near the person or the person’s residence, and will suspend the person license to carry a concealed handgun or even possessing a firearm or ammunition.  In cases in Texas where a judge believes that the protective order standard may be too high or not be able to be met, the court could place an injunction in place that provides many of the same remedies as the Texas Protective Order. 

 

If you find yourself in a situation where you are a victim of family or dating violence and want more information contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. National Domestic Violence Hotline.  If you are in Texas and want more information about Protective Orders, contact The Wright Firm, L.L.P. at 972-353-4600 or visit our website at www.thewrightlawyers.com. Attorneys at The Wright Firm, L.L.P. are only licensed to practice law in The State of Texas.  This post does not create an attorney-client relationship.  The facts of each case vary and the laws are different in each state so be sure to check with an attorney in your jurisdiction.    This post is meant as general information and not legal advice. 

 

 

Point of Law: Duty to Report Family Violence in Texas

Did you know that there is no mandatory duty on the public to report family violence unless the violence is inflicted on a child.  The State of Texas encourages any individual who witnesses family violence to report the family violence to a local law-enforcement agency.  If medical professionals included doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians treat a person for injuries that they believe were caused by family violence, they are required to advise the person of the nearest family violence shelter, document the file regarding the potential family violence, and give the person notice about the legal implications of family violence.

This point of law has been brought to you by The Wright Firm, L.L.P.  If you have questions, contact our office at 972-353-4600 or reach us by the web at www.thewrightlawyers.com.