PeaceBonds
RandallL.Sarosdy
GeneralCounsel
TexasJusticeCourtTrainingCenter
©Copyright2018.Allrightsreserved.
Nopartofthisworkmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicormechanical,includingphotocopyingandrecording,orby
anyinformationstorageorretrievalsystemwithoutpriorwrittenpermissionoftheTexasJusticeCourtTrainingCenterunlesscopyingisexpresslypermittedby
federalcopyrightlaw. Addressinquiriesto: Permissions,TexasJusticeCourtTrainingCenter,1701DirectorsBlvd.,Suite530,Austin,TX, 78701.
Resources
Magistration Deskbook atpages57– 58
Chapter7,CodeofCriminalProcedure
LegalBoardQ&A(Handout1)
PeaceBondComplaintForms(Handouts2‐ 4)
PeaceBondSummaryandChart(Handouts4‐ 5)
WhatisaPeaceBond?
Apeacebondisanobligationintheformofabondthata
personmayberequiredtoenterintoiftheyhavethreatened
tocommitanoffenseinvolvingseriousharmtoanother
person.
Thecondition ofthebondisthatthepersonwillnotcommit
theoffenseandwillkeepthepeacetowardtheperson
threatenedforoneyear.
WhenMayaMagistrate
IssueaPeaceBond?
Wheneveramagistrateisinformeduponoaththatanoffense
isabout tobecommitted,themagistratemayissueapeace
bondtopreventtheoffense.
Theoffenseisoneagainstthepersonorpropertyofthe
informantorofanother.
Appliesifapersonhasthreatened tocommitanoffense.
‐‐ Art.7.02,CodeofCriminalProcedure
GroundsforPeaceBond
Complaintmustbewrittenandallegeseriousthreatof
imminentorfutureharm.
‐‐ InreJones,55S.W.3d243,247‐249(Tex.Spec.
Ct.Rev.2000);ExparteMcCain,153Tex.Crim.
517,519,221 S.W.2d781,782(Tex.Crim.App.
1949)
PeaceBondComplaintForms
HereisaPeaceBondComplaintformusedinCollin
County:
PeaceBondComplaintForms
PeaceBondComplaintForms
PeaceBondComplaintForms
HereisaPeaceBondComplaintFormusedinWebbCounty:
PeaceBondComplaintForms
PeaceBondComplaintForms
IssuanceofArrestWarrant
Whenthecomplaintispresentedtothemagistrate,the
magistrateshallimmediatelyissueawarrantforthearrestofthe
accused.
‐‐ Art.7.01,CCP
TJCTCrecommendssubstitutingasummonsforthewarrantif
reasonabletodoso.
Respondentisentitledtopostanappearancebond.
‐‐ Art.7.02,CCP
QuestionsfromtheLegalBoard
SeeQuestion1
Hearing
Whentheaccusedisbroughtbeforethe
magistrate,themagistrateshallhearproof
astotheaccusation.
‐‐ Art.7.03,CCP
Theaccusedisnotentitledtoajurytrialin
apeacebondhearing.
‐‐ ExparteJohnson,391S.W.2d407(Tex.Crim.
App.1965)
Itisnotnecessarytoappointanattorney
fortheaccusedattheinitialpeacebond
hearing.
‐‐ AGOpinionJM– 977(1988)
OrdertoEnterintoPeaceBond
Ifsatisfiedthatthereisjustreason
tobelievethattheoffensewas
intendedtobecommitted,orthat
thethreatwasseriouslymade,the
magistrateshallorderthatthe
accusedenterintoabondinsuch
amountashemayinhisdiscretion
require.
‐‐ Art.7.03,CCP
OrderDischargingtheAccused
Theaccusedshallbedischarged,andcostsmaybetaxedagainst
thepartywhomadethecomplaint,ifthemagistratebelievesfrom
theevidence:
Thereisnogoodreasontobelievethattheoffensewasintendedorwill
becommitted,or
Noseriousthreatwasmadebytheaccused.
‐‐ Art.7.10,CCP
QuestionsfromtheLegalBoard
SeeQuestions2– 6
FormofPeaceBond
PayabletoStateofTexas
Foracertainamount
Signedbydefendantandsureties
Dated
Conditionedasrequiredbycourtorder
Maybecashbondorsuretybutcannotrequire“cash”only
bond
FiledwithCountyClerk
‐‐ Art.17.04,CCP
ConditionsofPeaceBond
Thebondisconditionedontheaccusednotcommittingthe
offense,and
Thathewillkeepthepeacetowardthepersonthreatenedor
abouttobeinjured
Andallotherpersonsnamedinthebond
Foraperiodofuptooneyearfromthedateofthebond.
‐‐ Art.7.03,CCP
AmountofPeaceBond
Amountofthebondiswithinthediscretionofthemagistrate
Magistrateshallbegovernedby:
Financialcircumstancesandcharacteroftheaccused;
Natureoftheoffensethreatenedorabouttobecommitted.
‐‐ Arts.7.03and7.06,CCP;ExparteWhatley,136
Tex.Crim.144,146(Tex.Crim.App.1939)
QuestionsfromtheLegalBoard
SeeQuestion7
Admonishment
Magistrateshalladmonishtheaccusedthatifheviolatesthe
termsofthebondthecourtmayorderforfeitureofthebond.
Andthathemayalsopunishtheaccusedforcontempt.
‐‐ Art.7.03,CCP
FailuretoGiveBond
Ifdefendantfailstogivetherequiredbond,heshallbe
committedtojailforoneyearfromthedateofthefirstorder
requiringsuchbond.
Beforeadefendantiscommittedtojail,counselshouldbe
appointedinorderthatadeterminationmaybemadeasto
whetherthedefendantisfinanciallyabletoposttherequired
security.
‐‐Art.7.08,CCP;AGOpinionJM–977(1988)
NoRightofAppeal
Defendanthasnorightofappealfrom
amagistrate’sorderrequiringabond.
Theonlyremedyistoseekawritof
habeascorpusinthecountyordistrict
court.
‐‐ ExparteSalamy,147S.W.2d487(Tex.Crim.
App.1941);ExparteWilkinson,278S.W.426
(Tex.Crim.App.1925)
Protectionofthe
PersonThreatened
Whenitappearsnecessarybaseduponthenatureofthecase
andtheproofoffered,themagistratehasarighttoorderany
peaceofficertoprotectthepersonorpropertyofanyindividual
threatened.
‐‐ Art.7.15,CCP
BondForfeiture
Uponviolationofapeacebondthe
magistratemay:
Issuewarrantforarrestof
defendantuponasworn
complaintalleginganewoffense.
Issuesummonsfordefendantto
appeartoansweraccusationof
violation.
‐‐ Art.15.03,CCP
WhatifBondisViolated?
Tworemediesforviolationofbond:
Contemptandimpositionofafineorconfinementinjail;and/or
BondForfeiture.
JusticeofthePeacemayhearcontemptproceedingbutnot
bondforfeiture.
ContemptmaybepunishedunderSection21.002,GovernmentCod,
byafineofupto$100and/orconfinementinjailforuptothreedays.
BondForfeiture
Ajusticeofthepeacemaynottryasuittoforfeitapeace
bond.
Adistrictcourthasexclusivejurisdictiontotryasuittoforfeita
peacebondregardlessoftheamountofthebond.
Suitmustbebroughtbythedistrictorcountyattorneywithin
twoyearsfromdateoftheviolationofthebond.
‐‐ Art.7.16,CCP;Tex.Const.Art.V,§8;Gov.
Code, Sect.27.031(b)(1)
QuestionsfromtheLegalBoard
SeeQuestions8– 12
PeaceBondInformationSheet
UsedinFortBendCounty
ChartComparingPeaceBonds
withOtherProtectiveOrders
QUESTIONS?
1
PeaceBondWebinar:QuestionsfromtheLegalBoard
1. Question:PeaceBondhasbeenfiledinthiscourtandtheconstableisunable
toservethedefendanttogethimsummonedtocourt.Weareunsureofwhat
optionswehaveornextstepswecanlegallytake.Thegirlfriendanswersthe
doorbutalwaysstateshe'snothome;aftertryingnumeroustimeshehas
beenunsuccessful.Canyoutelluswhatwouldbeournextstep?
Answer:Yournextstepwouldbetoissueawarrantfortheperson’sarrest.
See p. 57‐58 of our Magistration Deskbook, which may be found
here:http://www.tjctc.org/tjctc‐resources/Deskbooks.html. The relevant
statuteiscitedinthedeskbook.
2. Question:Pleaseassistmewithcorrectingtheflow.ShouldaPeaceBond
Hearingbescheduledfor2(a.)oristhisincorrect?
1.TheApplicationforaPeaceBondisfiledbytheapplicantandissueda
CaseNumber.
2.TheJudgereviewstheApplication.
A.TheJudge“Denies”theapplicant’srequestforaPeaceBond
Hearing;CaseClosed.
B.TheJudge“Approves”theapplicant’srequestforaPeaceBond
Hearing;PeaceBondHearingisscheduled.
3.Bothpartiesappearatthehearing.
A.TheJudge“Denies”anorderforaPeaceBond;CaseClosed.
B.TheJudge“Approves”aPeaceBond;RespondentOrderedtopay
Bond.
Answer:Thejudgecanrejectapeacebondapplicationwithoutahearingif
theyfeeltheapplicationdoesn'tsupportthatthereisprobablecausethat
therehasbeenanimminentthreattotheapplicant'spersonorproperty.
2
3. Question: This is in reference to the answer for the PeaceBond question
submittedon11/02/2017.Youranswerbeing:"TheJudgecanrejectapeace
bondapplicationwithoutahearingiftheyfeeltheapplicationdoesn't
supportthatthereisprobablecausethattherehasbeenanimminentthreat
totheapplicant'spersonorproperty,"whichinmyunderstandingwouldbe
thattheapplicationwouldberejectedwithoutanydocumentationoracase
number/causenumber/docketnumberbeingissues.Isthiscorrect?
Answer: Correct,thereisnoreasontogivetheapplicationitselfadocket
number or other case/cause number if it is not supported by probable
cause.Itisn'tnecessarilywrongtomakeafilewiththeapplicationandgive
itanumber,butitiscertainlynotnecessary.
4. Question:Onapeacebondwhenacomplainantfilesanapplicationandis
filing on 3 people, all live in the same house, do we have to have an
applicationoneachindividuallyorcantheyallbeonthesameapplication?
Answer:Chapter7oftheCodeofCriminalProceduredoesnotspecifically
prohibitasinglecomplaintagainstmultiplerespondentsbutthebestpractice
wouldbeforthecomplainanttofileaseparatecomplaintagainst each
respondentsincethecomplainantmustallegethatanoffensewasaboutto
becommittedorwasthreatenedbyeachrespondentandeachrespondent
hasarighttoahearing.SeeArts.7.01–7.03,CodeofCriminalProcedure;In
reJones,55S.W.3d243,247‐249(Tex.Spec.Ct.Rev.2000);ExparteMcCain,
153Tex.Crim.517,519,221S.W.2d781,782(Tex.Crim.App.1949).
5. Question: PEACE BOND INQUIRY Our court holds a hearing for every
peace bond case and/or violation of peace bond filed. 21 cases filed for 2017
so far. Some questions we have: 1. Why is there no fee assessed on these
cases? Is it State or County mandated? 2. Is there a sample form for a Warning
Letter?
Answer:1. Since peace bonds come under the Code of Criminal Procedure,
these are not civil cases and so there is no civil filing fee. There is also no
specific authorization for a fee for a peace bond in the Code of Criminal
3
Procedure, the Government Code, or the Local Government Code. As such, a
county does not have the authority to assess a fee here.
2. We are not familiar with the use of a “Warning Letter” in a peace bond
proceeding.
6. Question:GOOD AFTERNOON!!! I HAVE A QUESTION ON A PEACE
BOND. IF SOMEONE THREATENS A PERSON IN A DIFFERENT
COUNTY CAN THEY FILE ANYWHERE THEY WANT OR DOES IT
HAVE TO BE WHERE THE THREAT OCCURRED? IT HAPPENED IN
COTULLA TX AND WE ARE IN WEBB COUNTY!
Answer:Arequestforapeacebondcanbemadeanywhereinthestate.It
doesnothavetobeinthecountywherethethreatoccurred.
7. Question:PeaceBonds‐Doesthecountyappointcounseltodetermineif
thedefendant is financially ableto post therequired security? CCP Art. 8
doesnotsayanythingaboutit.
Answer:Peace bonds are covered by Chapter 7 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure. There is nothing in this chapter that would require counsel to be
appointed to determine if the defendant is financially able to post the required
bond. Article 7.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, states: “the magistrate, in
fixing the amount of such bonds, shall be governed by the pecuniary
circumstances of the accused and the nature of the offense threatened or about
to be committed.” So the magistrate should consider the defendant’s financial
resources in determining the amount of the bond.
8. Question:WehaveaDefendantonaPeaceBondCasethatwasfiled5/24/17
withaStatementofInabilitytoAffordpaymentofCourtCostsoranAppeal
BondwhichwasapprovedandsignedbyJudge.Asummonswasissuedto
theDefendanton5/24/17andduetothepeacebondviolationawarrant
wasissuedforDefendant.Thesummonsandthewarrantwereserved5‐24‐
17.ThePeaceBondHearingwasheld5/26/17andthefindingwastoleave
PeaceBondpendingforoneyear.Complainantcamein6817andanew
summonswasissuedfortheDefendantwiththehearingsetfor6/12/17and
4
a warrant was once again issued for the Defendant for violationofPeace
Bond.Bondwassetat$30,000.00.BailBondreceived6/30/17dated6/23/17
by Bail Bonds Company. 10 10/3/17 warrant issued for Defendant for
violationofPeaceBondandbondwassetat$75,000.00.Howdoesthecourt
callinthebondsothatthebondingcompanywillhavetopaythebond?
Answer:Art.7.16oftheCodeofCriminalProcedurestates:“Asuittoforfeit
anybondtakenundertheprovisionsofthisChaptershallbebroughtinthe
nameoftheStatebythedistrictorcountyattorneyinthecountywherethe
bondwastaken.”Sothebondforfeitureproceedingmustbebroughtbeyour
districtorcountyattorney.
9. Question:CanAJusticeofthePeacesentenceadefendanttoanyjailtime
atcountyjailforarepeatedviolationofaPeaceBondorder(contempt)?
Answer: Yes.Art.7.18oftheCodeofCriminalProcedurestatesthata
violationofaconditionofapeacebondimposedunderChapter7maybe
punishedbycontemptunderSection21.002(c),GovernmentCode.Section
21.002(c) permits a justice court to impose a fine of $100 and/or
confinementinjailforuptothreedaysforcontemptofacourtorder.
10. Question:Canyoupleaseclarifythedifferencebetweenacontemptofa
peacebondthatajusticecourtcanhear(responsedated02‐29‐2016)anda
forfeitureofapeacebondthatinourclasshandoutstatesthatonlyaDistrict
Courtcantryasuitforforfeitureofapeacebondregardlessoftheamount
ofthebond.Itfurtherstatesthatasuitmustbebroughtbythedistrictor
countyattorney.IhadapeacebondhearinginDecemberandIsignedan
order requiring a peace bond. Now the complaining witness, victim,
petitionerforthepeacebondissayingthedefendantviolatedthe peace
bond.WhohasthehearingtheJPcourtortheDistrictcourt?
Answer:Section7.18,CodeofCriminalProcedure,statesthattheviolation
ofaconditionofapeacebondispunishableby“(1)forfeitureofthebond;
(2) imposition of the fine and confinement for contempt under Section
5
21.002(c), Government Code; or (3) both forfeiture of the bond and
impositionofthefineandconfinement.”Ajusticecourthasauthorityunder
Section21.002(c),GovernmentCode,toholdapersonincontempt.Buta
justicecourtdoesnothavejurisdictiontoconductaforfeitureproceedingon
a peace bond; only a district court has jurisdiction to try a forfeiture
proceeding and the suit for forfeiture must be brought by the district or
county attorney within two years from the date of the violationofthe
bond.SeeArt.7.16,CodeofCriminalProcedure;Tex.Const.Art. V, § 8;
Section27.031(b),GovernmentCode.Soajusticecourthasjurisdictionofa
contemptproceedingbutnotaforfeitureproceedingforapeacebond.
11. Question:CourthearingheldtodayonaPeaceBondViolation.Thejudge
ordereda$100cashfineonbothparties.Itisthefirsttimethecourtissues
thistypeoffineandourAuditDeptisrequestingcopyofthewrittenRule
thatindicatesthejudgehastheauthorityand/orcanapplythisfine.Please
adviseassoonaspossible.Thankyouinadvance.
Answer:Art.7.18oftheCodeofCriminalProcedurestatesthataviolation
ofaconditionofapeacebondimposedunderChapter7maybepunished
bycontemptunderSection21.002(c),GovernmentCode.Section21.002(c)
permitsajusticecourttoimposeafineof$100(and/orconfinementinjail
foruptothreedays)forcontemptofacourtorder.Sothejudgeactingasa
magistrateunderArt.7.18clearlycouldimposethefineof$100 on the
defendantifthecourtfoundhimtobeinviolationofaconditionofthepeace
bond.Thedefendantcouldpaythefineinanymannernormallypermitted
bythecourtso,forexample,ifthecourtacceptspaymentoffinesbycredit
cardthedefendantshouldbeabletopaythefineinthatmannerratherthan
cash.
ThereisnoprovisioninChapter7forimposingafineonthepartymaking
the complaint for a peace bond, although Art. 7.10 does state that if the
magistratedischargestheaccusedhemaytaxthecostoftheproceeding
againstthepartymakingthecomplaint.However,iftherewasahearingand
the party making the complaint was held in direct contempt for some
6
statement or action directed to the court, then the judge wouldhave
authority under Section 21.002(c) to punish that contempt by a fine of
$100.Again,thepartyheldincontemptshouldbeabletopaythatfinein
anymannernormallypermittedbythecourt.
12. Question:Inapeacebondcasethejudgeorderedthedefendanttopaya
bondfee.Thebondtimehasnowexpiredanddefendantisrequestinghis
money.Is there anyprocedureor documentationthe defendantneedsto
submitinordertogetisbondmoneyback?
Answer:Ifthedefendanthasfulfilledtheconditionsofthebondforthe
timestatedinthebondunderArt.7.03,CodeofCriminalProcedure,then
thejudge(actingasamagistrate)maydischargethedefendantunderArt.
7.10andreleasehimfromtheconditionsofthebondandreturnthebond
amount to him. Chapter 7 of the Code of Criminal Procedure does not
identify any specific documentation the defendant must
submit.Presumably,itissufficientthattheevidenceshowsthathehasnot
committedtheoffenseormadeanyfurtherthreatswithinthetimethatthe
bondwasineffect.
PEACE BOND COMPLAINT
CASE NO.: __________
THE STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF COLLIN
I,__________________________, DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I HAVE GOOD
REASON TO BELIEVE, AND DO BELIEVE, THAT
________________________________________________________________
DEFENDANT, HAS THREATENED TO COMMIT AND IS ABOUT TO COMMIT AN
OFFENSE AGAINST MY PERSON OR PROPERTY, TO-WIT, THE SAID____________,
DEFENDANT, HAS THREATENED TO COMMIT AND IS ABOUT TO COMMIT, IN
________ COUNTY, TEXAS, AND ASSAULT UPON ME OR DAMAGE TO MY
PROPERTY AND TO INTENTIONALLY AND KNOWINGLY CAUSE BODILY INJURY TO
ME OR TO DAMAGE MY PROPERTY, TO WIT:
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
____________
AGAINST THE PEACE AND DIGNITY OF THE STATE.
_________________________
INFORMANT
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME ON THE ____ DAY OF _____________,
20___.
_____________________________
JUSTICE COURT, PCT.___
CLERK OF THE COURT
NOTARY PUBLIC
_______________ COUNTY, TEXAS
CAUSE NO:____________
STATEMENT OF OFFENSE BY COMPLAINING PARTY OR BY WITNESS
PERSON FILING COMPLAINT:
NAME:
RACE/SEX:
AGE: DOB:
ADDRESS:
EMPLOYMENT:
ADDRESS:
NAME/ADDRESS/PHONE #/ RELATIONSHIP OF PARTY THAT WOULD GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU IN
CASE OF EMERGENCY:
PERSON ON WHOM COMPLAINT IS BEING FILED:
NAME:
RACE/SEX:
AGE: DOB:
ADDRESS:
EMPLOYMENT:
ADDRESS:
WITNESSES: (NAMES & ADDRESSES & TELEPHONE NOS.)
AFFIDAVIT FOR PROBABLE CAUSE
STATEMENT OF OFFENSE(S) ABOUT TO BE COMMITTED:
I,__________________________ HERE NOW AGREE TO APPEAR IN COURT AS A WITNESS FOR THE
PROSECUTION ON THE DATE AND HOUR SCHEDULE, WHEN AND IF THIS CASE IS SET FOR A
HEARING. IN THE EVENT I DECIDE AT A LATER DATE TO REQUEST THE COURT TO DISMISS THE
CASE, I SHALL PERSONALLY APPEAR AT THE OFFICE OF THE PROPER COURT AND MAKE A
WRITTEN REQUEST FOR SUCH DISMISSAL.
___________________________
SIGNATURE OF AFFIANT
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME BY THE SAID AFFIANT ON THIS THE ____DAY OF
________________, 20_____.
______________________________________
CLERK OF THE COURT/NOTARY PUBLIC
PROBABLE CAUSE APPROVAL
ON THIS THE ______DAY OF _________________, 20____, I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE
EXAMINED THE ABOVE AFFIDAVIT AND HAVE DETERMINED THAT PROBABLE CAUSE EXISTS FOR
THE ISSUANCE OF AN ARREST WARRANT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL ACCUSED THEREIN.
__________________________________________________
JUSTICE COURT, PCT. ____, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS
http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=25437Page 1 of 3 REV. 0403
About Peace Bonds:
What is a Peace
Bond?
A peace bond is a court order designed to keep the peace by
protecting some one who has been threatened, but not harmed.
When a judge issues the Peace Bond he is ordering the person
who made the threats to deposit money with the court. If the
person who made the threats commits the threatened criminal
action then the deposited money will be given to the state.
What can a Peace
Bond do?
A peace bond warns someone not to break the law. If the person
breaks the law, then he or she will face criminal charges and lose
the money (the bond) deposited with the court.
Peace Bonds are
not bullet proof!
A Peace Bond is only made of paper. It cannot stop fists or
weapons. A Peace Bond does not offer 24-hour protection. It can’t
protect you from some one who doesn’t think about consequences
or who doesn’t care about being arrested or losing the bond
money.
If you fear for your safety, speak to a domestic violence counselor
about making a Safety Plan.
How can I apply
for a Peace Bond?
You can apply for a peace bond if someone has threatened to
harm you or your property.
You apply for a Peace Bond by filing a Peace Bond Complaint and
Statement of Offense by Complaining Party with the Justice of the
Peace in your precinct.
If the crime has already happened, a criminal complaint should be
filed with the police or sheriff, instead of a Peace Bond.
How long will it last?
Who issues a peace
bond?
Do you need to give
the other person
notice?
Up to 1 year
Justices of the Peace
Yes, it is required.
The clerk of the court
will have to send a
notice of the Peace
Bond hearing.
A Peace Bond is not a protective order or a restraining order. A peace bond is only
approved or denied by the Judge. If you are filing a peace bond with our court, the information
you provide must be true and correct. If you knowingly provide false information, criminal action
will be taken. You must fill out our form completely. We are not attorneys, so we can not assist
you in filling out our form. If you do not know how to fill out the form, you must contact an
attorney.
http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=25437Page 2 of 3 REV. 0403
FORM 14 Complaint for Peace Bond
Tex. Code Tex. Code Crim Proc. Ann. Art. 7.01
THE STATE OF TEXAS § IN THE JUSTICE COURT
VS. § PRECINCT 2
____________________________________ § FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS
CAUSE NO. -PB21-
I, _______________________________________________ do solemnly swear that I have good
(Complainant’s Name)
reason to believe, and do believe, that ____________________________________________________ ,
(Name or description)
Defendant, has threatened to commit and is about to commit an offense against ____________
_______________________________________________________________________________________ ; that
(state identity of person or property threatened)
_______________________________________________ , Defendant, has threatened to commit and is
about to commit, in ________________________ County, Texas, the offense of __________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
AGAINST THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.
Affiant
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this ________ day of _____________________ , 20____.
Joel C. Clouser, Sr. or Court Clerk
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Fort Bend County, Texas
http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=25437Page 3 of 3 REV. 0403
FORM 14 Complaint for Peace Bond
Plaintiff
D.O.B. / /
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
Defendant
D.O.B. / /
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
DL#
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CHOICES IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME
Peace Bond
A Magistrate, including a Justice of the
Peace, issues these.
A peace bond is a court order designed
to keep the peace by protecting a
person or property from someone who
has threatened to commit an offense
against a person or property.
Police are not notified.
A Bond is set to guarantee good
behavior. The money is forfeited to
the State if the threat is carried out.
Threats that are not deemed serious
are:
Making a rash statement about a
third person during a quarrel or
bragging about not being afraid of
someone.
Abusive language and bragging by
a drunk.
A rash threat resulting from an
outburst of temper in the heat of
passion.
Making a rash statement
provoked by an angry altercation.
There needs to be some evidence that
a threat will be carried out.
This is a piece of paper, it will not
physically protect you from harm.
Restraining Order
Justice of the Peace does not issue.
Private attorney can file.
States Prosecutor cannot file.
Person can file on his/her own if they
know the process.
Police are not notified.
An application is filed in District Court,
often filed in divorce proceedings.
Restraining Orders generally act to
protect you from being harassed by
telephone calls, having your bank
account emptied, having your credit
card cancelled, and other similar
activities.
Temporary Restraining Orders can be
in effect for 14 days before the
hearing.
Last until the Court changes it (usually
until the divorce is final).
Called a PERMANENT INJUCTION after
the Order is final.
Punishment is Contempt of Court (up
to $500 fine and/or 6 months in jail).
It is a means of keeping someone
away (it cannot evict someone from
their home, divide property, or deal
with custody of children).
Can be obtained against anyone,
including neighbors and co-workers,
not limited to family members.
Protective Order
State’s Prosecutor can file.
Private attorney can file.
Person can file his/her own if they
know the process.
An application is filed in District Court.
Temporary Order can be in effect for 14
days prior to hearing.
Can prevent a person from accessing
the victim’s home.
Final Order lasts for up to two years
after date it is issued.
Respondent given copy of Order at end
of hearing or if not at Court by certified
mail.
Police are notified when the final
Order is granted.
Punishment is Class A Misdemeanor or
State Jail Felony, if respondent has
been convicted 2 times for violation.
A Protective Order is intended to
prevent family violence by a member of
a family household. Protective Orders
can prohibit a person from going to or
near the victim’s residence, work,
school, or daycare facility.
Only against family members -intimate
partners.
Emergency Protection
Order
Issued by a Magistrate at the initial
appearance in front of a Judge when a
person is in custody after an arrest for
family violence, stalking or dating
violence.
Can be requested by the victim, the
victim’s guardian, a police officer, a
prosecutor, or by the Magistrate on
their own.
The Defendant is given a copy of the
Order by the Magistrate.
Police are notified.
Lasts up to 91 days from the date it is
issued.
Punishment is Class A Misdemeanor or
State Jail Felony.
A Protective Order is intended to
prevent family violence by a member of
a family household. Protective Orders
can prohibit a person from going to or
near the victim’s residence, work,
school, or daycare facility.
**The information contained herein is not exhaustive and is not intended to be legal advice**
1
PeaceBondWebinar:QuestionsfromtheLegalBoard
1. Question:PeaceBondhasbeenfiledinthiscourtandtheconstableisunable
toservethedefendanttogethimsummonedtocourt.Weareunsureofwhat
optionswehaveornextstepswecanlegallytake.Thegirlfriendanswersthe
doorbutalwaysstateshe'snothome;aftertryingnumeroustimeshehas
beenunsuccessful.Canyoutelluswhatwouldbeournextstep?
Answer:Yournextstepwouldbetoissueawarrantfortheperson’sarrest.
See p. 57‐58 of our Magistration Deskbook, which may be found
here:http://www.tjctc.org/tjctc‐resources/Deskbooks.html. The relevant
statuteiscitedinthedeskbook.
2. Question:Pleaseassistmewithcorrectingtheflow.ShouldaPeaceBond
Hearingbescheduledfor2(a.)oristhisincorrect?
1.TheApplicationforaPeaceBondisfiledbytheapplicantandissueda
CaseNumber.
2.TheJudgereviewstheApplication.
A.TheJudge“Denies”theapplicant’srequestforaPeaceBond
Hearing;CaseClosed.
B.TheJudge“Approves”theapplicant’srequestforaPeaceBond
Hearing;PeaceBondHearingisscheduled.
3.Bothpartiesappearatthehearing.
A.TheJudge“Denies”anorderforaPeaceBond;CaseClosed.
B.TheJudge“Approves”aPeaceBond;RespondentOrderedtopay
Bond.
Answer:Thejudgecanrejectapeacebondapplicationwithoutahearingif
theyfeeltheapplicationdoesn'tsupportthatthereisprobablecausethat
therehasbeenanimminentthreattotheapplicant'spersonorproperty.
2
3. Question: This is in reference to the answer for the PeaceBond question
submittedon11/02/2017.Youranswerbeing:"TheJudgecanrejectapeace
bondapplicationwithoutahearingiftheyfeeltheapplicationdoesn't
supportthatthereisprobablecausethattherehasbeenanimminentthreat
totheapplicant'spersonorproperty,"whichinmyunderstandingwouldbe
thattheapplicationwouldberejectedwithoutanydocumentationoracase
number/causenumber/docketnumberbeingissues.Isthiscorrect?
Answer: Correct,thereisnoreasontogivetheapplicationitselfadocket
number or other case/cause number if it is not supported by probable
cause.Itisn'tnecessarilywrongtomakeafilewiththeapplicationandgive
itanumber,butitiscertainlynotnecessary.
4. Question:Onapeacebondwhenacomplainantfilesanapplicationandis
filing on 3 people, all live in the same house, do we have to have an
applicationoneachindividuallyorcantheyallbeonthesameapplication?
Answer:Chapter7oftheCodeofCriminalProceduredoesnotspecifically
prohibitasinglecomplaintagainstmultiplerespondentsbutthebestpractice
wouldbeforthecomplainanttofileaseparatecomplaintagainst each
respondentsincethecomplainantmustallegethatanoffensewasaboutto
becommittedorwasthreatenedbyeachrespondentandeachrespondent
hasarighttoahearing.SeeArts.7.01–7.03,CodeofCriminalProcedure;In
reJones,55S.W.3d243,247‐249(Tex.Spec.Ct.Rev.2000);ExparteMcCain,
153Tex.Crim.517,519,221S.W.2d781,782(Tex.Crim.App.1949).
5. Question: PEACE BOND INQUIRY Our court holds a hearing for every
peace bond case and/or violation of peace bond filed. 21 cases filed for 2017
so far. Some questions we have: 1. Why is there no fee assessed on these
cases? Is it State or County mandated? 2. Is there a sample form for a Warning
Letter?
Answer:1. Since peace bonds come under the Code of Criminal Procedure,
these are not civil cases and so there is no civil filing fee. There is also no
specific authorization for a fee for a peace bond in the Code of Criminal
3
Procedure, the Government Code, or the Local Government Code. As such, a
county does not have the authority to assess a fee here.
2. We are not familiar with the use of a “Warning Letter” in a peace bond
proceeding.
6. Question:GOOD AFTERNOON!!! I HAVE A QUESTION ON A PEACE
BOND. IF SOMEONE THREATENS A PERSON IN A DIFFERENT
COUNTY CAN THEY FILE ANYWHERE THEY WANT OR DOES IT
HAVE TO BE WHERE THE THREAT OCCURRED? IT HAPPENED IN
COTULLA TX AND WE ARE IN WEBB COUNTY!
Answer:Arequestforapeacebondcanbemadeanywhereinthestate.It
doesnothavetobeinthecountywherethethreatoccurred.
7. Question:PeaceBonds‐Doesthecountyappointcounseltodetermineif
thedefendant is financially ableto post therequired security? CCP Art. 8
doesnotsayanythingaboutit.
Answer:Peace bonds are covered by Chapter 7 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure. There is nothing in this chapter that would require counsel to be
appointed to determine if the defendant is financially able to post the required
bond. Article 7.06, Code of Criminal Procedure, states: “the magistrate, in
fixing the amount of such bonds, shall be governed by the pecuniary
circumstances of the accused and the nature of the offense threatened or about
to be committed.” So the magistrate should consider the defendant’s financial
resources in determining the amount of the bond.
8. Question:WehaveaDefendantonaPeaceBondCasethatwasfiled5/24/17
withaStatementofInabilitytoAffordpaymentofCourtCostsoranAppeal
BondwhichwasapprovedandsignedbyJudge.Asummonswasissuedto
theDefendanton5/24/17andduetothepeacebondviolationawarrant
wasissuedforDefendant.Thesummonsandthewarrantwereserved5‐24‐
17.ThePeaceBondHearingwasheld5/26/17andthefindingwastoleave
PeaceBondpendingforoneyear.Complainantcamein6817andanew
summonswasissuedfortheDefendantwiththehearingsetfor6/12/17and
4
a warrant was once again issued for the Defendant for violationofPeace
Bond.Bondwassetat$30,000.00.BailBondreceived6/30/17dated6/23/17
by Bail Bonds Company. 10 10/3/17 warrant issued for Defendant for
violationofPeaceBondandbondwassetat$75,000.00.Howdoesthecourt
callinthebondsothatthebondingcompanywillhavetopaythebond?
Answer:Art.7.16oftheCodeofCriminalProcedurestates:“Asuittoforfeit
anybondtakenundertheprovisionsofthisChaptershallbebroughtinthe
nameoftheStatebythedistrictorcountyattorneyinthecountywherethe
bondwastaken.”Sothebondforfeitureproceedingmustbebroughtbeyour
districtorcountyattorney.
9. Question:CanAJusticeofthePeacesentenceadefendanttoanyjailtime
atcountyjailforarepeatedviolationofaPeaceBondorder(contempt)?
Answer: Yes.Art.7.18oftheCodeofCriminalProcedurestatesthata
violationofaconditionofapeacebondimposedunderChapter7maybe
punishedbycontemptunderSection21.002(c),GovernmentCode.Section
21.002(c) permits a justice court to impose a fine of $100 and/or
confinementinjailforuptothreedaysforcontemptofacourtorder.
10. Question:Canyoupleaseclarifythedifferencebetweenacontemptofa
peacebondthatajusticecourtcanhear(responsedated02‐29‐2016)anda
forfeitureofapeacebondthatinourclasshandoutstatesthatonlyaDistrict
Courtcantryasuitforforfeitureofapeacebondregardlessoftheamount
ofthebond.Itfurtherstatesthatasuitmustbebroughtbythedistrictor
countyattorney.IhadapeacebondhearinginDecemberandIsignedan
order requiring a peace bond. Now the complaining witness, victim,
petitionerforthepeacebondissayingthedefendantviolatedthe peace
bond.WhohasthehearingtheJPcourtortheDistrictcourt?
Answer:Section7.18,CodeofCriminalProcedure,statesthattheviolation
ofaconditionofapeacebondispunishableby“(1)forfeitureofthebond;
(2) imposition of the fine and confinement for contempt under Section
5
21.002(c), Government Code; or (3) both forfeiture of the bond and
impositionofthefineandconfinement.”Ajusticecourthasauthorityunder
Section21.002(c),GovernmentCode,toholdapersonincontempt.Buta
justicecourtdoesnothavejurisdictiontoconductaforfeitureproceedingon
a peace bond; only a district court has jurisdiction to try a forfeiture
proceeding and the suit for forfeiture must be brought by the district or
county attorney within two years from the date of the violationofthe
bond.SeeArt.7.16,CodeofCriminalProcedure;Tex.Const.Art. V, § 8;
Section27.031(b),GovernmentCode.Soajusticecourthasjurisdictionofa
contemptproceedingbutnotaforfeitureproceedingforapeacebond.
11. Question:CourthearingheldtodayonaPeaceBondViolation.Thejudge
ordereda$100cashfineonbothparties.Itisthefirsttimethecourtissues
thistypeoffineandourAuditDeptisrequestingcopyofthewrittenRule
thatindicatesthejudgehastheauthorityand/orcanapplythisfine.Please
adviseassoonaspossible.Thankyouinadvance.
Answer:Art.7.18oftheCodeofCriminalProcedurestatesthataviolation
ofaconditionofapeacebondimposedunderChapter7maybepunished
bycontemptunderSection21.002(c),GovernmentCode.Section21.002(c)
permitsajusticecourttoimposeafineof$100(and/orconfinementinjail
foruptothreedays)forcontemptofacourtorder.Sothejudgeactingasa
magistrateunderArt.7.18clearlycouldimposethefineof$100 on the
defendantifthecourtfoundhimtobeinviolationofaconditionofthepeace
bond.Thedefendantcouldpaythefineinanymannernormallypermitted
bythecourtso,forexample,ifthecourtacceptspaymentoffinesbycredit
cardthedefendantshouldbeabletopaythefineinthatmannerratherthan
cash.
ThereisnoprovisioninChapter7forimposingafineonthepartymaking
the complaint for a peace bond, although Art. 7.10 does state that if the
magistratedischargestheaccusedhemaytaxthecostoftheproceeding
againstthepartymakingthecomplaint.However,iftherewasahearingand
the party making the complaint was held in direct contempt for some
6
statement or action directed to the court, then the judge wouldhave
authority under Section 21.002(c) to punish that contempt by a fine of
$100.Again,thepartyheldincontemptshouldbeabletopaythatfinein
anymannernormallypermittedbythecourt.
12. Question:Inapeacebondcasethejudgeorderedthedefendanttopaya
bondfee.Thebondtimehasnowexpiredanddefendantisrequestinghis
money.Is there anyprocedureor documentationthe defendantneedsto
submitinordertogetisbondmoneyback?
Answer:Ifthedefendanthasfulfilledtheconditionsofthebondforthe
timestatedinthebondunderArt.7.03,CodeofCriminalProcedure,then
thejudge(actingasamagistrate)maydischargethedefendantunderArt.
7.10andreleasehimfromtheconditionsofthebondandreturnthebond
amount to him. Chapter 7 of the Code of Criminal Procedure does not
identify any specific documentation the defendant must
submit.Presumably,itissufficientthattheevidenceshowsthathehasnot
committedtheoffenseormadeanyfurtherthreatswithinthetimethatthe
bondwasineffect.
http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=25437Page 1 of 3 REV. 0403
About Peace Bonds:
What is a Peace
Bond?
A peace bond is a court order designed to keep the peace by
protecting some one who has been threatened, but not harmed.
When a judge issues the Peace Bond he is ordering the person
who made the threats to deposit money with the court. If the
person who made the threats commits the threatened criminal
action then the deposited money will be given to the state.
What can a Peace
Bond do?
A peace bond warns someone not to break the law. If the person
breaks the law, then he or she will face criminal charges and lose
the money (the bond) deposited with the court.
Peace Bonds are
not bullet proof!
A Peace Bond is only made of paper. It cannot stop fists or
weapons. A Peace Bond does not offer 24-hour protection. It can’t
protect you from some one who doesn’t think about consequences
or who doesn’t care about being arrested or losing the bond
money.
If you fear for your safety, speak to a domestic violence counselor
about making a Safety Plan.
How can I apply
for a Peace Bond?
You can apply for a peace bond if someone has threatened to
harm you or your property.
You apply for a Peace Bond by filing a Peace Bond Complaint and
Statement of Offense by Complaining Party with the Justice of the
Peace in your precinct.
If the crime has already happened, a criminal complaint should be
filed with the police or sheriff, instead of a Peace Bond.
How long will it last?
Who issues a peace
bond?
Do you need to give
the other person
notice?
Up to 1 year
Justices of the Peace
Yes, it is required.
The clerk of the court
will have to send a
notice of the Peace
Bond hearing.
A Peace Bond is not a protective order or a restraining order. A peace bond is only
approved or denied by the Judge. If you are filing a peace bond with our court, the information
you provide must be true and correct. If you knowingly provide false information, criminal action
will be taken. You must fill out our form completely. We are not attorneys, so we can not assist
you in filling out our form. If you do not know how to fill out the form, you must contact an
attorney.
http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=25437Page 2 of 3 REV. 0403
FORM 14 Complaint for Peace Bond
Tex. Code Tex. Code Crim Proc. Ann. Art. 7.01
THE STATE OF TEXAS § IN THE JUSTICE COURT
VS. § PRECINCT 2
____________________________________ § FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS
CAUSE NO. -PB21-
I, _______________________________________________ do solemnly swear that I have good
(Complainant’s Name)
reason to believe, and do believe, that ____________________________________________________ ,
(Name or description)
Defendant, has threatened to commit and is about to commit an offense against ____________
_______________________________________________________________________________________ ; that
(state identity of person or property threatened)
_______________________________________________ , Defendant, has threatened to commit and is
about to commit, in ________________________ County, Texas, the offense of __________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
AGAINST THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.
Affiant
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this ________ day of _____________________ , 20____.
Joel C. Clouser, Sr. or Court Clerk
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Fort Bend County, Texas
http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=25437Page 3 of 3 REV. 0403
FORM 14 Complaint for Peace Bond
Plaintiff
D.O.B. / /
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
Defendant
D.O.B. / /
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
DL#
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CHOICES IN THE LEGAL SYSTEM FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME
Peace Bond
A Magistrate, including a Justice of the
Peace, issues these.
A peace bond is a court order designed
to keep the peace by protecting a
person or property from someone who
has threatened to commit an offense
against a person or property.
Police are not notified.
A Bond is set to guarantee good
behavior. The money is forfeited to
the State if the threat is carried out.
Threats that are not deemed serious
are:
Making a rash statement about a
third person during a quarrel or
bragging about not being afraid of
someone.
Abusive language and bragging by
a drunk.
A rash threat resulting from an
outburst of temper in the heat of
passion.
Making a rash statement
provoked by an angry altercation.
There needs to be some evidence that
a threat will be carried out.
This is a piece of paper, it will not
physically protect you from harm.
Restraining Order
Justice of the Peace does not issue.
Private attorney can file.
States Prosecutor cannot file.
Person can file on his/her own if they
know the process.
Police are not notified.
An application is filed in District Court,
often filed in divorce proceedings.
Restraining Orders generally act to
protect you from being harassed by
telephone calls, having your bank
account emptied, having your credit
card cancelled, and other similar
activities.
Temporary Restraining Orders can be
in effect for 14 days before the
hearing.
Last until the Court changes it (usually
until the divorce is final).
Called a PERMANENT INJUCTION after
the Order is final.
Punishment is Contempt of Court (up
to $500 fine and/or 6 months in jail).
It is a means of keeping someone
away (it cannot evict someone from
their home, divide property, or deal
with custody of children).
Can be obtained against anyone,
including neighbors and co-workers,
not limited to family members.
Protective Order
State’s Prosecutor can file.
Private attorney can file.
Person can file his/her own if they
know the process.
An application is filed in District Court.
Temporary Order can be in effect for 14
days prior to hearing.
Can prevent a person from accessing
the victim’s home.
Final Order lasts for up to two years
after date it is issued.
Respondent given copy of Order at end
of hearing or if not at Court by certified
mail.
Police are notified when the final
Order is granted.
Punishment is Class A Misdemeanor or
State Jail Felony, if respondent has
been convicted 2 times for violation.
A Protective Order is intended to
prevent family violence by a member of
a family household. Protective Orders
can prohibit a person from going to or
near the victim’s residence, work,
school, or daycare facility.
Only against family members -intimate
partners.
Emergency Protection
Order
Issued by a Magistrate at the initial
appearance in front of a Judge when a
person is in custody after an arrest for
family violence, stalking or dating
violence.
Can be requested by the victim, the
victim’s guardian, a police officer, a
prosecutor, or by the Magistrate on
their own.
The Defendant is given a copy of the
Order by the Magistrate.
Police are notified.
Lasts up to 91 days from the date it is
issued.
Punishment is Class A Misdemeanor or
State Jail Felony.
A Protective Order is intended to
prevent family violence by a member of
a family household. Protective Orders
can prohibit a person from going to or
near the victim’s residence, work,
school, or daycare facility.
**The information contained herein is not exhaustive and is not intended to be legal advice**