Colorado Violation of Protective Order Lawyer

In Colorado, a “protective order,” also referred to as a “restraining order,” means any order that denies a person from contacting, harassing, molesting, threatening, or touching any protected person or protected animal. It could also potentially instruct you to stay away from certain locations, like the protected persons home, refrain from any alcohol or drug use, and give up any firearms, ammunitions, or weapons. There might even be a stipulation on how close you can be to the protected person or animal or even staying away from locations where a protected person might be found. The Judge could add any other stipulations that they deem necessary, including turning around and leaving a public area if you see the protected person and deleting all protected persons contact information out of any electronics.

WHAT VIOLATES A PROTECTIVE ORDER?

It is important to note that if you have a protective order against you, it is against Colorado Law, (CRS 18-6-803.5 (c)(I)) to own or attempt to purchase a firearm or ammunition while the protective order is in place. A protective order generally lasts a years but can be extended.

Violations can include but are not limited to:

• Hiring a person to locate the protected person.
• Hiring a person to speak to the protected person on your behalf.
• Contacting the protected person directly. Contact includes but is not limited to text messages, electronic mail, phone calls, or mailing letters to their address.

*Colorado protective orders can be enforced in every civil and criminal court of the United States, any other state, Indian tribe, or a United States territory. *

WHAT IS THE PENALTY?

Violating a protective order is a class 2 misdemeanor unless you have been charged for violating a protective order in the past. If you have violated a protective order in the past, it charged as a class 1 misdemeanor. 

A class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment of 6 to 18 months, a fine of $500 to $5,000, or both. 

A class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment of 3 to 12 months, a fine of $250 to $1,000, or both.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF VIOLATING A PROTECTIVE ORDER?

If you have been accused of violating a protective order, let Weber Law help you today. It can be a stressful situation to have criminal charges pending and Weber Law will work for you. There could be other reasons for violating a protective order, like you did not mean to contact the protected person, you did not know what you did was a violation of the protective order, you accidently contacted the protected person, or ran into them in a public place not knowing they were going to be there. Weber Law is experienced in defending these charges and getting you back to a life free of criminal charges. If you or someone you know has been accused of violating a protective order, contact Weber Law today for a consultation.

• CRS 18-6-803.5 – Crime of violation of a protection order
• CRS 13-14-106- Procedure for permanent civil protection order
• CRS 18-1.3-501- Misdemeanors classified