Which circumstance allows the state's attorney to file an application for a protective order?

The correct answer is rooted in the procedural requirements for a protective order under the Code of Criminal Procedure. The state's attorney can file an application for a protective order primarily with the victim's consent. This reflects the legal principle that victims of crime have a significant say in the legal processes that impact their safety and well-being.

The requirement for victim consent ensures that protective orders are pursued in a way that respects the victim's agency and circumstances, thereby providing them with a sense of control over their situation. It acknowledges the importance of victim autonomy in decisions that affect their personal safety, which is central to the ethos of victim protection laws.

Other options do not align with how protective orders are generally applied for. Instances like filing based solely on age or at the attorney’s discretion without justification overlook the necessity of victim involvement and consent in this sensitive legal matter. Only one option correctly reflects the emphasis on victim cooperation when it comes to protective orders.