Which statement about emergency protection orders is true?

Which statement about emergency protection orders is true?

• A. Municipal judges, acting as magistrates, may issue emergency protection orders for an offense involving family violence.
• B. Only justices of the peace may conduct peace bond hearings.
• C. Municipal court clerks may issue emergency protection orders.
• D. Municipal judges may not issue emergency protection orders.

Answer: (A)

Emergency protection orders provide immediate, short‑term protection in family violence cases. In Texas, a magistrate can issue an EPO when there’s an alleged offense involving family violence, to safeguard the victim while longer protective orders are arranged. Municipal judges who are acting in the magistrate capacity have that authority, which makes the statement true. Clerks don’t issue EPOs—they handle filings and paperwork. Peace bond hearings aren’t limited to justices of the peace; municipal judges can conduct them when they are functioning as magistrates.

Emergency protection orders provide immediate, short‑term protection in family violence cases. In Texas, a magistrate can issue an EPO when there’s an alleged offense involving family violence, to safeguard the victim while longer protective orders are arranged. Municipal judges who are acting in the magistrate capacity have that authority, which makes the statement true. Clerks don’t issue EPOs—they handle filings and paperwork. Peace bond hearings aren’t limited to justices of the peace; municipal judges can conduct them when they are functioning as magistrates.