In a recent court session, two individuals were granted emergency protection orders following serious criminal charges. The first case involved a defendant who was released on a personal bond after being informed of a protective order prohibiting them from approaching a specified address in Pflugerville, Texas, where the protected party, Lauren Contreras Lopez, resides. The order is effective until August 26, 2024, and mandates that the defendant must remain at least 200 yards away from the protected address.
The second case involved a defendant, Mr. Brooks, charged with a second-degree felony for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His bail was set at $15,000, and he was also subjected to an emergency protection order that prohibits him from contacting the complaining witness, Thomas Douglas, except through legal counsel. Mr. Brooks is required to maintain a distance of 200 yards from Douglas's residence in Austin, Texas, with the order remaining in effect until September 25, 2024.
Both defendants were informed of their rights regarding legal representation, with Mr. Brooks indicating he would not seek a court-appointed attorney due to his existing parole attorney. The court emphasized the seriousness of the protective orders and the consequences of non-compliance, underscoring the judicial system's commitment to ensuring the safety of individuals involved in these cases.