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What To Do If You Are Served With a Civil Protection Order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo

How to Prepare for Success and Protect Your Future

Being served with a civil protection order in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or anywhere in Southern Colorado can be overwhelming. Protection orders impact your reputation, your employment, your parental rights, and your ability to possess firearms. They can also affect your long-term strategy in a related criminal or domestic relations case. The steps you take in the hours and days after being served will significantly influence the outcome.

This guide explains how to prepare for success and avoid the mistakes that commonly lead to permanent protection orders being issued.

1. Read the Protection Order Carefully Immediately After Service

When you are served, law enforcement or a process server will hand you:

  • The Verified Complaint for Protection Order
  • The Temporary Protection Order (TPO)
  • The Notice of Hearing
  • Any sworn affidavits filed by the petitioner

Your TPO may include restrictions on:

  • Contact or communication
  • Returning to the home
  • Firearm possession
  • Being near the petitioner’s workplace, residence, or school
  • Parenting time or child access

Even unintentional violations can lead to criminal charges. Read every line. Then read it again.

2. Follow the Temporary Protection Order Without Exception

Strict compliance is essential. The judge at your hearing will review whether you followed the TPO. Compliance significantly improves your chance of success. Violations, even minor ones, can result in:

  • Criminal charges
  • Arrest
  • Difficulty defending the permanent order
  • Loss of credibility
  • Temporary or permanent loss of firearm rights

Avoid any contact with the petitioner unless your attorney instructs otherwise and the TPO allows it.

3. Contact an Experienced Protection Order Attorney Immediately

Colorado Springs and Pueblo courts treat protection orders very seriously. Having counsel prepare your case early provides major advantages, including:

  • Evidence collection
  • Witness preparation
  • Strategic defense planning
  • Communication with the court and petitioner
  • Protection against self-incrimination in related criminal matters
  • Avoiding accidental violations

These hearings move quickly. You will not have weeks or months to prepare. Early legal help is one of the most important steps you can take.

4. Understand the Legal Standard in Colorado Protection Order Cases

Civil protection orders are governed by Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-14-101. To convert a temporary protection order into a permanent one, the petitioner must show:

  • By a preponderance of the evidence
  • That the respondent committed acts of domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, or credible threat
  • And that the order is reasonably necessary for their protection

The judge evaluates credibility, consistency, history of conflict, injuries, police reports, messages, and behavior following service.

Knowing this standard allows your attorney to prepare targeted and effective defenses.

5. Gather and Preserve Evidence Immediately

Do not delete anything. Collect the following:

Helpful Evidence

  • Text messages, emails, and voicemails
  • Social media messages
  • GPS data, call logs, and phone records
  • Video recordings or security footage
  • Witness statements from friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers
  • Photographs or documents that contradict allegations

Evidence That May Need Attorney Review

If there are messages that look bad for you, give them to your attorney early. They may still be helpful in context, or they may require strategy to minimize harm.

6. Document Your Own Timeline

Write a detailed chronology for your attorney. Include:

  • Important dates
  • Interactions with the petitioner
  • Relationship history
  • Any previous threats or false accusations
  • Events leading up to the protection order

This will help your attorney prepare your case quickly and effectively.

7. Do Not Contact the Petitioner Under Any Circumstances

Even if they contact you first or claim they want to work things out, do not respond. Contact in violation of a TPO is a criminal offense. Let your attorney know immediately if the petitioner reaches out.

8. Prepare for the Hearing with Your Attorney

Most permanent protection order hearings occur within 14 days. You will need to be fully prepared. This includes:

  • Reviewing all allegations
  • Preparing your testimony
  • Identifying and subpoenaing witnesses
  • Organizing exhibits
  • Developing a theme for your defense
  • Addressing any related criminal exposure

Your attorney may recommend cross-examination of the petitioner or strategic concessions to preserve your broader legal interests.

9. Avoid Social Media Activity

Anything you post can be used against you. Opposing counsel will often pull:

  • Photos
  • Comments
  • Memes
  • Tags
  • Location check-ins

Even seemingly harmless posts can be misinterpreted. Stay offline until your case is resolved.

10. Follow Courtroom Etiquette and Presentation

The judge’s perception matters. Show respect for the court by:

  • Arriving early
  • Dressing professionally
  • Speaking respectfully
  • Demonstrating calm behavior
  • Avoiding emotional outbursts

Your conduct in the courtroom impacts your credibility.

11. Understand the Consequences of a Permanent Protection Order in Colorado

If entered, a permanent protection order can affect:

  • Your ability to possess firearms
  • Your job, particularly for military, law enforcement, medical, or government employees
  • Parenting time or custody rights
  • Background checks for employment or housing
  • Your reputation in the community

Success at the hearing protects your long-term opportunities.

12. Develop a Long-Term Strategy Beyond the Hearing

Many cases involve overlapping legal matters, including:

  • Criminal charges
  • Divorce proceedings
  • Child custody disputes
  • Allegations of domestic violence
  • False accusations related to parenting time

Your attorney should create a unified strategy

13. Understanding the Full Civil Protection Order Process in Colorado Springs and Pueblo

Most people served with a Temporary Protection Order are shocked by how fast the process moves. Colorado law requires courts to schedule a hearing within 14 days, which gives you very little time to prepare. Understanding each step of the process helps you stay ahead and avoid critical mistakes.

Below is an expanded, detailed breakdown of the procedure used in El Paso County (Colorado Springs) and Pueblo County courts.

A. How a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) Is Issued

A Temporary Protection Order may be issued in two ways:

1. Ex Parte Order Requested by the Petitioner

This means the petitioner appears before a judge without the respondent present. The judge may issue a TPO based solely on the petitioner’s affidavit if they believe:

  • The petitioner is in immediate danger
  • There is credible evidence supporting the allegations

What To Do If You Are Served With a Civil Protection Order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo

A Complete Guide to Preparing for Success

Being served with a civil protection order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo can be frightening and confusing. These orders carry serious consequences that affect where you can live, your ability to contact your family, your parenting rights, your employment, and your ability to possess firearms. The legal process moves fast, and the steps you take immediately after service have a significant impact on your final outcome.

This comprehensive guide explains how the protection order process works, how to prepare, what evidence you need, and how to protect yourself at the hearing.

1. Understand What You Were Served With

When served, you will receive several important documents:

  • The Verified Complaint for Protection Order
  • The Temporary Protection Order (TPO)
  • The Notice of Hearing date and time
  • Any sworn statements or affidavits from the petitioner

These documents explain:

  • What the petitioner is alleging
  • What conduct is restricted
  • What locations you must avoid
  • Whether firearms restrictions apply
  • When and where your hearing will occur

Read every page carefully. Misreading or misunderstanding the order can lead to accidental violations, which may result in arrest.

2. Strictly Follow the Temporary Protection Order Without Exception

Compliance with the TPO is essential. The judge will evaluate whether you respected the order when deciding whether to make it permanent.

Violating a TPO, even unintentionally, can result in:

  • Immediate arrest
  • Criminal charges
  • Loss of credibility at the hearing
  • Increased likelihood of a permanent protection order
  • Unfavorable outcomes in related custody or divorce cases

Avoid all contact with the petitioner unless the court order allows it and your attorney specifically advises otherwise.

3. Contact an Experienced Protection Order Attorney Immediately

Protection order hearings in Colorado typically take place within 14 days. This is not enough time for inexperienced counsel or for self-represented parties to fully prepare. An attorney can help you:

  • Understand the allegations
  • Identify your strongest defenses
  • Prepare your testimony
  • Gather and preserve evidence
  • Subpoena witnesses
  • Communicate legally and safely with the court
  • Avoid actions that could harm your case

An experienced attorney can mean the difference between dismissal of the order and a permanent protection order that follows you for years.

4. Know the Legal Standard the Judge Will Use at the Hearing

Under Colorado law, a petitioner must prove:

  • By a preponderance of the evidence
  • That the respondent committed acts of domestic abuse, harassment, stalking, or threats
  • And that the protection order is reasonably necessary for the petitioner's safety

This is a relatively low standard. The judge will evaluate credibility, body language, consistency of stories, documentation, and behavior before and after service.

5. Gather and Preserve Evidence Immediately

Begin collecting and organizing:

  • Text messages
  • Emails
  • Social media content
  • Call logs
  • Photographs
  • Videos
  • GPS or location data
  • Witness names and contact information
  • Any documents or receipts that support your version of events

Never delete anything. Even messages that look unfavorable should be reviewed by your attorney because context may help.

6. Prepare a Detailed Timeline for Your Attorney

This is one of the most useful tools in your case. Include:

  • Dates of alleged incidents
  • Your location during relevant events
  • Interactions with the petitioner
  • Details of prior conflicts
  • Any history of false accusations
  • A summary of relationship dynamics

This helps your attorney shape your defense and anticipate the petitioner’s claims.

7. Do Not Contact the Petitioner Under Any Circumstances

Even if the petitioner initiates contact, you must not respond. Protection order violations are criminal and will severely harm your case and your credibility.

Instead:

  • Document the attempted contact
  • Notify your attorney immediately
  • Save screenshots or call logs

Your restraint will help you at the hearing.

8. Do Not Post Anything on Social Media

Courts review social media more often than ever. Opposing parties frequently submit:

  • Posts
  • Comments
  • Check-ins
  • Tags
  • Photos

Anything can be taken out of context and used to argue you are unstable, angry, threatening, or not credible. Stay off social media until your case is resolved.

9. Understand the Full Colorado Civil Protection Order Procedure

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the process in Colorado Springs (El Paso County) and Pueblo County.

A. The Petitioner Files a Complaint

The petitioner files a Verified Complaint for Protection Order with supporting information. This can occur:

  • In person at the courthouse
  • Through law enforcement in emergency situations
  • After an incident, dispute, or relationship breakdown

The judge can issue a Temporary Protection Order based solely on the petitioner’s allegations.

B. The Court Issues a Temporary Protection Order (TPO)

A TPO may include restrictions on:

  • Contact
  • Communication
  • Firearm possession
  • Returning to shared residences
  • Visiting children
  • Going to the petitioner’s workplace or school
  • Parenting time schedules

Firearm restrictions are common in domestic cases.

C. You Are Served With the TPO

Law enforcement or a process server will personally hand you the documents. Once served, the TPO is active and enforceable.

D. The Court Schedules a Permanent Protection Order Hearing

Colorado law requires this hearing to occur within 14 days. This gives you very little time to prepare.

10. What Happens at the Permanent Protection Order Hearing

This is one of the most important hearings you may ever attend. The consequences are severe if a permanent order is granted.

Below is the typical structure.

A. The Judge Calls the Case

You and the petitioner both check in. The judge explains the process and the burden of proof.

B. Opening Statements

Each attorney may give a short overview of the evidence. Some judges skip this step.

C. Petitioner’s Testimony and Evidence

The petitioner testifies first and presents:

  • Their version of events
  • Screenshots
  • Photos
  • Witnesses
  • Police reports
  • Voicemails or recordings
  • Medical records
  • Prior incidents

Your attorney can cross-examine the petitioner to reveal inconsistencies.

D. Respondent’s Testimony and Evidence

You will testify next unless your attorney recommends otherwise due to criminal exposure. You may present:

  • Witnesses
  • Messages
  • Photos or videos
  • Expert testimony
  • Evidence contradicting the allegations

Your credibility is central. Your demeanor matters as much as the evidence.

E. Closing Arguments

Each attorney summarizes why the order should be dismissed or made permanent.

F. The Judge Issues a Ruling the Same Day

Colorado judges typically rule immediately. The outcomes include:

  • Dismissal of the protection order
  • Conversion of the TPO into a Permanent Protection Order
  • Limited protection order with modified terms
  • Agreement-based resolution if the parties negotiate

Judges rarely “continue” these matters without compelling reasons.

11. Consequences of a Permanent Protection Order

If granted, the order may affect:

  • Firearm possession
  • Military career or security clearance
  • Law enforcement employment
  • Medical or professional licensing
  • Parenting rights
  • Background checks
  • Divorces or custody cases
  • Housing and employment opportunities

It may last forever unless modified or dismissed at a later date.

12. Preparing for the Hearing With Your Attorney

Your lawyer will help you:

  • Create a compelling narrative
  • Identify weaknesses in the petitioner’s allegations
  • Prepare witnesses
  • Organize exhibits
  • Anticipate cross-examination questions
  • Avoid statements that may hurt you in related cases

Preparation is key to success.

13. Courtroom Presentation Matters

Impressions matter. Improve your credibility by:

  • Dressing professionally
  • Speaking respectfully
  • Remaining calm
  • Avoiding emotional reactions
  • Showing respect for the court process

Judges pay close attention to demeanor.

14. Long-Term Strategy for Related Cases

Protection orders often overlap with:

  • Divorce
  • Child custody disputes
  • Criminal charges
  • Dependency and neglect cases

Your attorney should develop a long-term plan that preserves your rights in all connected matters.

If you have been served with a civil protection order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo, the situation is urgent. These cases move quickly, and the consequences of a permanent protection order may follow you for years. The right preparation and legal strategy can make a critical difference.

Our office represents clients throughout Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fountain, Monument, Security-Widefield, Manitou Springs, and all surrounding communities. We protect your rights, prepare your defense, and help you present the strongest possible case.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Matthew C. Clawson, Colorado Family Law Attorney
Serving Colorado Springs, Falcon, Pueblo, Castle Rock, and Parker
For more information about high-net-worth divorce or to schedule a divorce case review throughout Colorado, contact Matthew C. Clawson

We will answer your questions, evaluate your case, and advise you on the best course of action based on your individual needs and priorities.

We can be reached at www.clawsonattorney.com, and Matthew can be contacted directly at Matthew@clawson.law. For more information about our top-rated legal services, fill out our online form or call 719-634-1848 or 303-805-9353 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Legal Disclaimer- This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content or contacting the attorney does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal decisions and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Colorado laws may change, and you should consult a licensed attorney for advice tailored to your circumstances. No guarantee is made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.

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