A Colorado mandatory protection order is a court-issued order that imposes no-contact requirements and other restrictions in criminal cases. Under C.R.S. § 18-1-1001, courts typically enter the order at a defendant’s first appearance or arraignment, and it usually remains in effect until the case reaches final disposition unless the court later modifies or dismisses it.
As a result, a mandatory protection order can immediately restrict contact with alleged victims or witnesses, limit where a defendant may go, and, in some cases, require firearm relinquishment. Because even unintentional violations can lead to contempt, new criminal charges, or bond consequences, understanding the order’s scope early is critical to protecting your case.
If the court entered an MPO in your case, you should understand the terms before you text, call, return home, or try to “work things out.” Even well-intentioned contact can create serious legal problems.
Call now or request a confidential consultation to review the order, confirm what it prohibits, and plan safe next steps.
A mandatory protection order restrains a defendant from harassing, intimidating, retaliating against, or tampering with a victim or witness connected to a criminal case. In many situations, courts issue the order at the first appearance and keep it in place throughout the proceedings.
Importantly, these orders exist to protect victims and witnesses. They do not function as bond orders and do not replace conditions of pretrial release. Although the restrictions may overlap in practice, confusing the two can lead to violations.
An MPO generally begins at the defendant’s first appearance, when the court advises the defendant of their rights and formally enters the order.
The order typically remains in effect until final disposition, which may include:
dismissal of the case
acquittal
completion of a sentence, probation, or parole
discharge from supervision following a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity
Because the meaning of “final disposition” often surprises people, discussing timing and strategy with counsel early can prevent unnecessary complications.
Most protection orders include “no harassment” language and often impose no-contact restrictions. Depending on the case, the court may also require a defendant to:
stay away from certain homes, workplaces, or locations
avoid direct and indirect contact, including texts, calls, and social media
surrender or avoid possession of firearms or other weapons
avoid alcohol or controlled substances when safety concerns exist
refrain from harming or threatening animals owned by the protected person
comply with any additional terms necessary to prevent imminent danger
Because terms vary by case, the order should be treated as binding from day one.
People often assume a protection order works the same way as bond conditions. However, a court-issued protection order exists solely to protect victims and witnesses and does not substitute for bond requirements.
That distinction matters because:
conduct permitted under bond conditions may still violate the protection order, and
violations can result in contempt, new criminal charges, or bond consequences.
When uncertainty exists, a brief legal review can prevent a long-term problem.
When the court issues an MPO, judges typically warn that violations may result in:
contempt of court, and
a separate criminal charge for Violation of a Protection Order (C.R.S. § 18-6-803.5)
Depending on the conduct, prosecutors may also pursue felony charges such as:
Intimidating a Witness or Victim, or
Retaliation Against a Witness or Victim
Because consequences escalate quickly, treating even minor contact as a serious risk is often the safest approach.
Defendants may ask the court to modify or dismiss a protection order at any time. Likewise, the district attorney may request additional provisions. The court keeps jurisdiction to enforce, modify, or dismiss the order until the case ends.
Common modification requests include:
limited contact for child-exchange logistics
contact through counsel only
clarification of distance or location restrictions
converting “no contact” to “no harassment”
addressing residence or workplace logistics
Judges focus on safety and compliance, so requests should be specific and realistic.
Certain cases, especially those involving domestic violence with threatened or actual physical force, can trigger firearm restrictions. When required findings exist, the court may order firearm relinquishment, affidavits, and compliance hearings.
Because firearm rules are technical and unforgiving, legal guidance before acting is essential.
If a protection order applies in your case:
keep a copy of the order accessible at all times
avoid contact unless the order clearly allows it
do not send messages through third parties
stay well outside restricted locations
document accidental contact and disengage immediately
ask your lawyer to clarify unclear terms in writing
Good intentions do not prevent violations, and mistakes can quickly become new charges.
What is a mandatory protection order?
It is a court order entered in many criminal cases that restricts harassment and contact with victims or witnesses.
How long does the order last?
In most cases, it remains in effect until the case reaches final disposition.
Can I respond if the protected person contacts me?
Usually no. Even if contact is initiated by the protected person, responding may still violate the order.
What happens if I violate the order?
Violations can lead to contempt, new misdemeanor charges, or felony allegations depending on the conduct.
If a Colorado mandatory protection order affects your home, family, or ability to work, you need a plan that prevents violations and protects your case. Consultations are confidential.
Call today or request a private case review.
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