EP 23: Order in the Court — Whalen Law Partner Ryne Sandel Explains Protective Orders, Emergency Orders, and the Risks They Create

Whalen Law Office partner Ryne Sandel appears on Episode 23 of Sidebar Social — “Order in the Court! A Deep Dive into Protective Orders” — to explain the legal mechanics and practical consequences of protective orders in Texas.

Joined by hosts Jennifer L. Grinke and Dana J. Stewart, Ryne walks listeners through the types of protective orders people encounter, how recent statutory changes have made civil protective orders easier to obtain, and what that means for both accused parties and those seeking protection.

The discussion covers Magistrate’s Orders of Emergency Protection (MOEPs) issued at arrest — temporary orders that typically last about 61 days (and, in serious matters, may extend longer) and often go into effect without a hearing. Ryne explains how an MOEP can immediately affect custody, visitation, and access to children, and why magistrate judges routinely err on the side of safety.

He also addresses the growing risk that protective-order rules can be misused or “weaponized” in divorce and custody disputes, and the strategic tension that sometimes exists between defending criminal charges and responding to rapid-fire family-court hearings.

Key takeaways from the episode:
• Recent law changes removed the older “future-threat” requirement — now, showing that family violence occurred can be sufficient for a judge to issue a protective order for up to two years.
• MOEPs protect alleged victims and minor children quickly but are temporary; they can nevertheless produce immediate and significant collateral consequences.
• Coordinated strategy between criminal defense and family-law counsel is crucial — testimony at a protective-order hearing can create evidence that affects parallel criminal matters.
• If law enforcement arrives at a domestic scene, an individual’s safest immediate option is to avoid giving a statement and request counsel.

Ryne’s conversation is practical and accessible for anyone navigating the overlap of criminal and family law.

The full episode is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms — listen here: www.sidebarsocialpodcast.com.

If you or a loved one is facing a protective order, domestic-violence allegation, or related criminal charge, Whalen Law Office can help. Contact us to request a confidential consultation.

About Ryne T. Sandel
Ryne Sandel is a partner at Whalen Law Office and a seasoned criminal defense attorney who frequently handles matters at the intersection of criminal and family law. Ryne’s approach blends trial-tested advocacy with practical counseling aimed at protecting clients’ liberty and family relationships.