If you’ve been served with a protective order in Colorado, it’s easy to feel like your whole world just changed. Suddenly, you might be forced to move out of your home, lose contact with your kids, or stay away from someone you love—all before you’ve even had a chance to defend yourself in court.
At Wolf Law, we know how emotionally charged and legally confusing protective orders can be. We’ve helped countless clients understand what these orders mean, what they don’t mean, and how to challenge them when they’ve gone too far.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, breathe—and read on. You have options, and you are not alone.
What Is a Protective Order?
In Colorado, a protective order—sometimes called a restraining order—is a legal order issued by a judge that restricts one person from contacting or coming near another person. Protective orders are often associated with domestic violence cases, but they can be issued in many different situations.
There are two main types:
1. Mandatory Protection Orders (MPOs)
These are automatically issued in all criminal cases in order to try to avoid further violence, harassment, stalking, or intimidation. If you’re arrested for domestic violence or a similar offense, the judge will issue an MPO at your first court appearance—even if the alleged victim doesn’t request one. If you are given a ticket, the court will issue an MPO at your first court appearance.
MPOs may:
- Prohibit all contact with the alleged victim
- Require you to vacate a shared home
- Limit communication with children or family members
- Ban firearm possession (in some cases)
2. Civil Protection Orders
These can be requested by an individual without any criminal charges being filed. A judge may grant a temporary protection order (TPO) first, followed by a hearing to decide whether to make it permanent.
What Happens If You’re Served with a Protection Order?
You’ll receive paperwork from the court that outlines:
- Who the protected party is
- What you’re prohibited from doing
- Whether the order includes property or firearm restrictions
- Your court date (if applicable)
And here’s the most important thing: violating a protective order is a crime—even if the other person contacts you first.
No texts. No calls. No indirect contact through friends or social media. If you’re unsure whether something is a violation, don’t risk it—ask your attorney.
Need help understanding the order? We’ll explain what it means, what you’re allowed to do, and how to stay in compliance while we prepare your defense.
Can You Challenge a Protective Order?
Yes—and you should, especially if the order is harming your ability to work, see your children, or live in your home.
In Colorado, you can:
- Request a modification of the protective order (to allow contact or change the terms)
- Fight the issuance of a permanent order (in civil cases)
- Challenge the underlying criminal charges, which can affect whether the order stays in place
If the protective order was issued based on false or exaggerated claims, a skilled attorney can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make your case in court.
These hearings are your opportunity to be heard. Don’t go in unprepared.
Common Issues with Protective Orders
We’ve seen protective orders used in all kinds of situations—some legitimate, some weaponized during breakups, custody disputes, or personal conflicts. Here are a few common concerns we help clients with:
- Being forced out of your home with no notice
- Losing parenting time or access to children
- Impact on employment, especially for armed professionals
- False allegations used to gain leverage in divorce or custody cases
If any of this sounds familiar, you don’t have to accept the order as it stands. We can help you take action.
What If You Accidentally Violate the Order?
Sometimes people make honest mistakes—like responding to a message from the protected party, or showing up somewhere unaware the other person is present.
Unfortunately, even accidental or unintended contact can lead to criminal charges.
Violation of a criminal mandatory protective order is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado, while violation of a civil protective order is a Class 2 misdemeanor in Colorado and both can lead to:
- Jail time
- Additional charges
- Revocation of bond
- Tighter restrictions
If you think you’ve violated the order—even by accident—call a lawyer immediately. We can help you address the situation before it spirals into something worse.
What Happens at the Hearing?
If you’re facing a hearing to make a temporary civil protection order permanent—or trying to modify or dismiss an MPO—this is your chance to present evidence and argue your side.
A judge will look at:
- The credibility of both parties
- Any history of violence or threats
- Text messages, voicemails, and other documentation
- Whether the protected party actually feels threatened
The outcome of this hearing could have long-term consequences for your personal life, your custody rights, and your criminal case.
Don’t go into court alone. Let Wolf Law help you prepare a clear, compelling case.
You Deserve to Be Heard—Let Wolf Law Help
A protective order can flip your life upside down—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. If you’ve been served with an MPO, received a temporary civil protection order, or are facing a hearing, don’t try to figure it all out on your own.
At Wolf Law, we take protective orders seriously because we know how deeply they impact real people. We’ll listen to your story without judgment, help you make sense of what’s happening, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Call Wolf Law today for a free consultation. We’re ready to stand with you, explain your options, and help you move forward with strength and clarity.
