Practice Areas
Protection Orders
Whether you need protection from harm or are defending against a restraining order you believe is unjust — we guide you through every step.
Protection orders in Colorado
A civil protection order restricts one person's contact with another. In Colorado these can be issued the same day they're requested — and violating one is a criminal offense. Whether you're seeking safety or have been served with an order you believe is unjust, representation is essential.
Seeking a protection order
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Emergency Protection Orders
Issued immediately when there's imminent danger — available 24/7 through law enforcement.
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Temporary Protection Orders
Issued quickly by the court, often the same day, to provide immediate protection.
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Permanent Protection Orders
After a full hearing, a permanent order can stay in effect indefinitely to keep you safe.
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Domestic Abuse Orders
Specific protections for victims of domestic violence — covering housing, custody, and contact.
From temporary to permanent
In Colorado, most cases begin with a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) and can become a Permanent Protection Order (PPO) after a court hearing. A TPO gives you immediate, short-term protection. A permanent order — despite the name — stays in effect indefinitely unless a court later modifies or dismisses it.
Making an order permanent requires a hearing where both sides can appear. If the court finds that protection is warranted by a preponderance of the evidence — and the other party was properly notified — the judge can enter a permanent order.
How to initiate a protection order
File your request
File a verified complaint/motion for a protection order with the county or district court. There is generally no filing fee for orders involving domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or abuse of an at-risk adult.
Temporary order & hearing date
A judge reviews your request — often the same day — and may issue a TPO immediately if you show imminent danger. The court then sets a return date for the permanent hearing, usually within about 14 days.
Serve the respondent
The other party (the "respondent") must be personally served with the temporary order and notice of the hearing before a permanent order can be entered.
Permanent hearing
At the hearing, both sides may present evidence and testimony. If the judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that protection is warranted, the court makes the order permanent. If the respondent was properly served but fails to appear, the court can enter a permanent order by default — without re-serving them or requiring additional testimony.
Defending against a protection order
Being served is serious. Even a temporary order can affect your housing, your children, your job, and your reputation — before you've told your side. A permanent order can follow you for life on background checks.
If you've been served with an order you believe is exaggerated, fabricated, or filed strategically in a divorce or custody dispute, you have the right to contest it. We help you:
- ✓ Understand the order and what it prohibits immediately
- ✓ Gather evidence and witness statements for your defense
- ✓ Represent you at the contested protection order hearing
- ✓ Challenge false or misleading allegations with evidence
- ✓ Seek modification or dismissal of an order that isn't justified
Violations of protection orders
Violating a protection order — even inadvertently — is a criminal offense in Colorado. If you've been charged with a violation, contact us immediately. We defend against these charges and help you understand how to comply going forward.
Ready to protect what matters?
Free, confidential consultation — available 24/7 for emergencies.