When Your Safety Is on the Line – Understanding Protective Orders in Colorado

When you are faced with a threatening or dangerous situation—whether it’s a case of domestic violence, harassment, or stalking—knowing your rights and legal protections is essential. 

In Colorado, protective orders (commonly known as restraining orders) serve as critical legal tools designed to prevent harm and safeguard individuals from further danger.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Being in a position of fearing for your safety is never okay…and there are ways to protect yourself in these situations.

In Colorado, protective orders are designed to help victims of abuse by providing legal protection from individuals who pose a threat to their safety. 

Abuse of any type is never okay, and understanding that the situation you’re in is not your fault is critical.

It’s also important that you have the right people to help walk you through the process of keeping you safe and making sure you stay that way.

Understanding how protective orders work, who can request them, and how they are enforced can make a significant difference in not only your safety, but your peace of mind as well.

Whether you are seeking protection for yourself or someone you love, knowing the legal steps to obtaining and enforcing a protective order in Colorado can be empowering and potentially life-saving.

What Is a Protective Order?

A protective order is a court-issued order that prohibits an individual (the restrained person) from contacting, approaching, or engaging in harmful behavior toward the petitioner (the protected person). 

This legal directive has been created to provide security and distance for individuals experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse by another individual.

Protective orders vary based on the circumstances of each case and may include provisions such as:

• No contact orders, preventing any form of communication.
• Stay-away orders, mandating physical distance from the protected person’s home, workplace, or school.
• Firearm restrictions, requiring the restrained individual to surrender their weapons.

Understanding which of these orders is going to apply to your situation will help you take the necessary legal steps to ensure your safety and enforce boundaries with the restrained individual.

Types of Protective Orders in Colorado

Colorado courts offer different types of protective orders, depending on the urgency and nature of the situation. 

Here are the key categories:

Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO):

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is an immediate protection order designed to address urgent threats. It is often granted without notifying the restrained person first (ex parte) to provide immediate safety until a formal court hearing takes place. TROs typically last 14 days and are effective until a judge decides whether a permanent order is necessary.

Permanent Protection Orders (PPO):

If the court determines that ongoing protection is required, the TRO can be converted into a Permanent Protection Order (PPO). Permanent orders can last indefinitely unless the petitioner requests removal or the court re-evaluates the circumstances. PPOs often have stricter terms, including long-term no-contact restrictions and firearm prohibitions.

Emergency Protective Orders (EPO):

Law enforcement officers can request Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs) when responding to incidents involving domestic violence or immediate danger. These short-term orders last for up to three days and are typically issued on nights, weekends, or holidays when courts are closed.

Criminal Protective Orders (CPO):

When a defendant is charged with a violent crime, stalking, or harassment, the court may impose a Criminal Protective Order (CPO). These orders remain active during criminal proceedings and restrict the accused from contacting the victim. Violating a CPO can result in additional criminal charges.

Who Can Request a Protective Order?

In Colorado, individuals who feel threatened, harassed, or endangered can petition for a protective order. 

This includes victims of:

• Domestic violence – Protective orders can help individuals escape abusive relationships by restricting contact from a spouse, partner, or family member who has inflicted physical harm, emotional abuse, or threats.
• Harassment – If someone is repeatedly bothering, intimidating, or causing emotional distress through unwanted communication, a protective order can help prevent further harassment.
• Stalking – Victims of stalking can seek legal protection from individuals who follow, monitor, or engage in repeated unwanted interactions that create fear or anxiety.
• Sexual assault – Survivors of sexual assault can request protective orders to prevent their attackers from approaching them, ensuring safety from further trauma or harm.
• Elder abuse – Older adults facing neglect, financial exploitation, or physical abuse can obtain protective orders to keep abusive caregivers, relatives, or acquaintances away.
• Workplace harassment – Employees experiencing persistent threats, intimidation, or dangerous behavior at work can file for protective orders to create a safer environment and prevent further misconduct.

In Colorado protective orders are not limited to domestic situations—victims of harassment, stalking, or workplace intimidation can also seek protection against any individual posing a danger.

How to Obtain a Protective Order in Colorado

In Colorado, seeking a protective order can be a bit complex, and it’s important you know each step and how to navigate them ahead of time.

While most victims who need protective orders will work with an experienced lawyer, it’s still good to know the process so you can understand your rights, prepare necessary documentation, and ensure your request is handled efficiently.

Step 1: File a Petition

Your request for a protective order will be filed with the appropriate Colorado court, typically in the county where the incident occurred or where the petitioner resides.

The petition will ask for details about the threats or abuse you’ve experienced. If an Emergency Protective Order is needed, law enforcement can assist with obtaining a court-issued order.

Step 2: Attend a Court Hearing

A judge will review the petition and determine whether to grant a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). 

In most cases, petitioners must return to court for a formal hearing to extend the order into a Permanent Protection Order (PPO).

Step 3: Provide Evidence

During the hearing, you (or your lawyer) may be able to present evidence of threats, violence, or harassment. 

These can include things like: 

• Police Reports – If law enforcement was involved in responding to an incident of domestic violence, harassment, or assault, police reports can serve as official documentation of the event. These reports often contain details about what happened, witness statements, and any immediate legal actions taken, such as arrests or restraining orders issued on the spot.
• Text Messages, Emails, or Voicemails – Digital communication can serve as strong evidence in cases of harassment or stalking. Threatening messages, persistent unwanted contact, or abusive conversations can demonstrate a pattern of behavior that supports the need for legal protection. 
• Witness Testimony – Friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers who have witnessed threats, violent incidents, or ongoing harassment can provide sworn statements or testify in court. 
• Medical Records (if applicable) – If physical abuse resulted in injuries requiring medical attention, hospital records, doctor’s reports, or photographs of injuries can serve as critical evidence to support your case. 

The judge evaluates the evidence before deciding whether a Permanent Protection Order is necessary.

Step 4: Enforcement of the Order

Once a protective order is granted, law enforcement ensures enforcement, meaning that violations can result in immediate arrest or legal consequences for the restrained person.

What Happens If a Protective Order Is Violated?

Violating a protective order in Colorado is a serious criminal offense. 

Consequences may include:

• Immediate arrest by law enforcement
• Potentially misdemeanor charges, depending on the circumstances
• Fines or jail time
• Additional restrictions imposed by the court

Law enforcement takes violations seriously—if the restrained person disobeys the order, the protected individual should report it immediately to ensure their safety.

Take Action: Take It With Geigle | Morales

If you are in immediate danger or facing threats, taking legal steps to protect yourself is essential. 

Seeking a protective order in Colorado provides legal safeguards against harm…but you don’t have to navigate this process alone.

At Geigle | Morales, we are committed to helping individuals secure protective orders and legal protection against threats, harassment, and abuse. Our experienced attorneys understand the urgency of ensuring safety, and we are here to guide you through the process every step of the way.

Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the legal protection you deserve.

Your safety is always our priority—let us help you take the necessary steps toward securing your future.