I Was Served With a Protection Order in Colorado — What Should I Do?
If you were served with a protection order in Colorado, the court has likely scheduled a hearing within a short period of time, often within about 14 days. Temporary protection orders can restrict contact with another person and may limit where you can go while the case is pending.
The most important next step is understanding the restrictions in the order and preparing for the upcoming court hearing where a judge will decide whether the order should become permanent.
What It Means to Be Served With a Protection Order
Being served with a protection order means the court has issued a temporary order that places certain restrictions on your conduct while the case is pending.
These orders are often issued quickly based on information provided in a petition. Because the court may not hear both sides initially, the hearing is the first opportunity for the judge to evaluate the full situation.
You can learn more about the court process on our page explaining what happens at a protection order hearing in Colorado.
Common Restrictions After Being Served With a Protection Order
Temporary protection orders often include restrictions such as:
- no contact with the protected person
- staying away from certain locations
- restrictions on communication
- limitations involving firearms
These restrictions remain in effect until the court changes or dismisses the order.
Important Steps to Take After Being Served
If you were served with a protection order, it is important to take several steps before the hearing date.
- read the order carefully
- follow all restrictions in the order
- gather documents and communications related to the situation
- identify any witnesses who may have relevant information
Taking these steps early can make it easier to prepare for the court hearing.
Do Not Violate the Temporary Protection Order
Even if the protected person attempts to contact you first, responding may still violate the order.
Violating a protection order can lead to additional criminal charges. You can learn more about the consequences of violating a protection order in Colorado.
What Happens Before the Protection Order Hearing
After you are served with the temporary order, the court schedules a hearing where both sides may present testimony and evidence.
During that hearing, the judge will determine whether the protection order should remain in place.
Preparing evidence and understanding the hearing process can help you present your side of the situation clearly.
Preparing for the Protection Order Hearing
Preparation for the hearing often includes gathering evidence such as:
- text messages
- emails
- photographs
- witness testimony
- phone records
Organizing these materials ahead of time can help the court review the information more easily.
You can also review official protection order information through the Colorado Judicial Branch.
Common Mistakes After Being Served With a Protection Order
Courts frequently see several issues after temporary orders are served.
- contacting the protected person despite the order
- ignoring restrictions in the temporary order
- arriving at court without evidence
- misunderstanding the upcoming hearing process
Even unintentional violations can create serious legal consequences.
Should You Speak With a Lawyer?
Protection orders can have lasting consequences. If a permanent protection order is entered, it may affect housing, employment, and firearm possession.
Because the hearing often occurs quickly, many people choose to speak with a lawyer before appearing in court.
Speak With a Colorado Protection Order Lawyer
If you were served with a protection order in Colorado and have questions about the process, discussing the situation with an attorney may help you understand your options and prepare for the upcoming hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after being served is the hearing scheduled?
In many cases the court schedules the hearing within about 14 days after the temporary protection order is issued.
Can a protection order be dismissed?
Yes. If the petitioner does not prove that the order is necessary, the judge may dismiss the case.
What happens if the order becomes permanent?
A permanent protection order can restrict contact with another person and may impose additional legal consequences if violated.
