By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 11, 2023
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More commonly referred to as "restraining orders," protective orders are legally enforceable documents in Colorado whereby the court orders the person named in the document to stay a certain distance away from the person seeking the protection. The laws regarding protective orders vary depending on the state. Some protective orders can have further restrictions regarding gun ownership. While protective orders are most often used to protect abused spouses and exes, they may also be used to protect children and to keep stalkers away.
This article provides a brief overview of protective order laws in the state of Colorado.
For more information on Colorado protective orders laws, please consult the chart below.
| Statutes | § 13-14-101 et seq. of the Colorado Revised Statutes |
| Activity Addressed by Order | Enjoin contact; excludes the party from dwelling or dwelling of another; regarding minor child: grants temporary custody; emergency order: restrains from molesting, injuring, killing, taking, transferring, encumbering, concealing, disposing of or threatening harm to an animal owned, possessed, leased, kept, or held by any other party, a minor child of either of the parties or an elderly or at-risk adult |
| Duration of Order | Emergency: shall expire not later than the close of business on the next day of judicial business following the day of issue, unless otherwise continued by the court |
| Penalty for Violation of Order | Class 2 misdemeanor unless prior conviction under the section or other restraining order, then classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor (also includes if issuing the protection order as an allegation of stalking or the parties were in an intimate relationship) |
| Who May Apply for Order | - |
| Can Fees Be Waived? | No |
| Order Transmission to Law Enforcement | Law enforcement agency with jurisdiction to enforce the order |
| Civil Liability for Violation of Order | Contempt of court |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If your spouse, partner, or lover is hurting you, there are resources available for you when you're ready. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for 24/7/365 support at 800-799-7233. If you've been abused and need a protection order, contact a Colorado domestic violence attorney for help.
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