Colorado Protective Orders Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 11, 2023

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.

Colorado Protective Order Laws At A Glance

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.