Protective or restraining orders are legal tools designed to protect individuals from threats, harassment, abuse, or harm.
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Protective orders—also known as restraining orders—are legal tools designed to protect individuals from threats, harassment, abuse, or harm. In Colorado, these orders are taken seriously by law enforcement and the courts, and they can have immediate and long-lasting consequences for both the person requesting the order (the petitioner) and the person the order is issued against (the respondent).
If you’ve recently had a protective order issued in your case—whether you're seeking protection or defending against an order—understanding what happens next is critical. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect after a protective order is issued in Colorado, and why working with a knowledgeable Denver protective order lawyer can help you navigate the process.
First, it's helpful to know that Colorado courts issue different types of protective orders, including:
Temporary (Ex Parte) Civil Protection Orders – Issued without the respondent present, based on the petitioner’s sworn statement.
Permanent Civil Protection Orders – Decided after a hearing, where both sides can present evidence.
Mandatory Protection Orders (Criminal Cases) – Automatically issued in criminal cases involving domestic violence, assault, or stalking.
Each type of order comes with specific rules, timelines, and consequences. Once any of these orders is issued, the legal and practical effects can be significant.
Once a protective order is issued, the respondent is legally prohibited from engaging in specific behaviors, which may include:
Contacting or attempting to contact the protected party (directly or indirectly)
Coming within a certain distance of the protected party’s home, work, or school
Possessing or purchasing firearms or ammunition
Harassing, threatening, stalking, or intimidating the protected person
Violating any of these conditions is a criminal offense in Colorado, punishable by fines, jail time, or even felony charges, depending on the nature of the violation.
If you're the respondent, even accidental or indirect contact—like responding to a message from the protected party—can lead to serious consequences. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a Denver protective order lawyer immediately after receiving notice of the order.
For a protective order to be enforceable, the respondent must be formally served with the order. Service is typically handled by law enforcement or a private process server. Once served, the order takes effect immediately.
If the respondent is present in court when the order is issued, they are considered served on the spot. Ignorance of the order is not a valid defense for violations once service has occurred.
If the order started as a temporary civil protection order, the court will schedule a permanent protection order hearing—usually within 14 days. At this hearing, both the petitioner and respondent may:
Present evidence and witnesses
Cross-examine each other
Be represented by an attorney
The judge will decide whether to make the order permanent, modify it, or dismiss it. Because the outcome can have lasting legal implications, it’s highly advisable for both parties to be represented by an experienced Denver protective order lawyer during this stage.
Colorado law requires respondents to surrender all firearms and ammunition upon issuance of certain protective orders, especially those involving allegations of domestic violence. Failure to comply can result in separate criminal charges and affect your ability to legally own firearms in the future.
Protective orders may also appear on background checks, affecting employment, housing applications, and professional licenses.
If a permanent protection order is issued, it can last indefinitely, with no automatic expiration. While it is possible to request a modification or termination of the order later, this requires showing a substantial change in circumstances and is not guaranteed.
Having a permanent protective order on your record can impact:
Custody and visitation rights (in family law cases)
Immigration status
Employment opportunities
Your reputation and future relationships
Yes, but doing so involves a formal legal process. Either party may file a motion to modify or dismiss the protective order, but the burden is high—especially for the respondent. Courts are generally cautious about removing protections unless there is clear evidence that the original threat no longer exists.
Again, legal representation is key. A skilled Denver protective order lawyer can help present a compelling case and advocate for your interests.
Whether you’re seeking protection from harm or defending yourself against allegations, the issuance of a protective order in Colorado is a serious legal matter. The consequences can be immediate and far-reaching, affecting your freedom, rights, and future.
Understanding what happens after a protective order is issued—and knowing your options—can protect you from making costly mistakes. If you're involved in a protective order case in the Denver area, don’t face it alone. Speak with an experienced Denver protective order lawyer who can guide you through the legal system and help you take the right steps forward.
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