What To Do If You Are Served With a Civil Protection Order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo When You Are in the US Army or Air Force

Service members face unique risks and consequences when served with a Civil Protection Order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo. A Temporary Protection Order can immediately impact your military career, your security clearance, your ability to possess firearms, and your standing with your command. The stakes are higher in military cases, and you must act quickly.

This guide provides detailed steps for active duty personnel at Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, Buckley, NORAD, and the United States Air Force Academy.

1. Understand That Civilian Protection Orders Automatically Apply to Service Members

A Civil Protection Order issued in Colorado is enforceable on and off base.
Your military status does not exempt you from following the order. Violating it will result in:

Local civilian arrest
UCMJ consequences
Loss of rank or pay
Administrative separation
Career-ending disciplinary actions

Immediate compliance is mandatory.

2. Your Command Will Likely Be Notified

In most cases, law enforcement agencies notify your command when you are served with a Civil Protection Order. If they do not, the petitioner may notify your command directly.

Expect your command to:

Issue a Military Protective Order (MPO)
Impose restrictions or barring orders
Suspend duties involving weapons
Limit access to certain areas
Refer you to legal or behavioral health

An MPO does not replace the civilian TPO. You must follow both.

3. You May Lose Your Right to Carry a Firearm While the Order Is in Place

Federal law prevents anyone subject to a qualifying protection order from possessing firearms or ammunition. For service members, this may require:

Turning in your service weapon
Being removed from armed duties
Reassignment to non-weapon roles
Temporary or permanent change in duty status

If your MOS or AFSC requires weapons handling, this can directly threaten your career.

4. Your Security Clearance May Be Impacted

A Civil Protection Order may affect a clearance or eligibility for sensitive duty assignments. Investigators consider:

Domestic disputes
Arrests
Violations
Court orders
Unmanaged conflict
Risk of coercion or instability

A permanent protection order can trigger a security clearance review.

5. Do Not Contact the Petitioner, Even If They Contact You First

This is critical. Many service members violate the order because they feel pressured or manipulated by the other party. Even if the petitioner reaches out:

Do not respond
Document the contact
Notify your attorney
Notify your chain of command

Any contact is a violation and is both a civilian crime and a UCMJ offense.

6. Notify Your JAG Office Immediately, But Use Civilian Counsel for the Court Hearing

JAG can help you understand:

UCMJ consequences
MPO implications
Impacts on rank and duty
Command expectations

However, JAG cannot represent you in civilian court. For the Colorado protection order hearing, you must hire civilian counsel with experience representing service members.

7. Understand the Relationship Between MPOs and Civilian Protection Orders

A Military Protective Order:

Applies only on military installations
Is enforced by military police
Ends when your commander rescinds it

A Civil Protection Order:

Applies everywhere
Is enforceable by civilian police and MPs
Remains in effect even if you move bases
Can become permanent

Violating either is serious, but violating the civilian order is more dangerous because it carries criminal penalties.

8. You May Be Removed From On-Base Housing

If the protection order prevents you from returning home, command may:

Relocate you to the barracks
Place you in temporary lodging
Reassign you to alternate housing

Do not attempt to return to base housing without explicit command approval and a legal escort.

9. Prepare for the Hearing More Carefully Than a Civilian Respondent

Your career is on the line. The hearing usually occurs within 14 days. You must prepare immediately by:

Gathering evidence
Creating a full timeline
Identifying witnesses
Preparing your testimony
Reviewing military and civilian consequences

Your attorney may need time to coordinate with your command.

10. Stay Off Social Media Entirely

Even harmless posts can be used against you and may be reported to your chain of command. Screenshots travel quickly in military communities.

11. Consequences of a Permanent Protection Order for Service Members

A Permanent Protection Order can:

Impact promotion opportunities
Trigger administrative separation
Affect PCS eligibility
End careers that require firearms
Result in a security clearance suspension
Lead to discharge under Chapter 14 or other regulations
Affect GI Bill and retirement benefits
Create negative OMPF entries

The long-term consequences are more severe than for civilians.

12. Do Not Make Statements to Law Enforcement or Command Without Legal Advice

Anything you say can be used in:

The protection order hearing
Criminal investigations
UCMJ actions
Administrative reviews
Security clearance investigations

Always consult your attorney before making statements.

13. Request a Command Representative or Supervisor Attend the Hearing if Helpful

In some cases, a supervisor can testify to:

Duty performance
Character
Reliability
No history of misconduct

Your attorney will help decide whether this is beneficial.

14. Understand That a Dismissal Helps Protect Your Military Career

If the order is dismissed at the hearing:

Firearm rights are restored
Command discipline may be reduced
Clearance concerns may ease
MPOs may be lifted
Reassignment or duty restrictions may end

A dismissal is always the goal.

15. If the Order Is Granted, You Can Seek Modification After Two Years

If a Permanent Protection Order is entered, after two years you may request:

Dismissal
Modification
Reduction in restrictions

However, you must show a significant change in circumstances.

Military-Specific FAQ: 10 Additional Questions

1. Will my commander find out about the protection order?

Almost always. Civilian courts or petitioners typically notify commands.

2. Can a protection order impact promotions?

Yes. It may delay or derail promotion eligibility.

3. Can I deploy with a protection order in place?

Possibly not. Firearm restrictions and legal restrictions can interfere.

4. Does a protection order automatically violate the UCMJ?

No, but violations of the order do.

5. Can I keep my security clearance?

It depends on the allegations, evidence, and outcome.

6. Can I take leave while the order is pending?

Only with command approval.

7. Can my chain of command order me not to contact the petitioner even without an MPO?

Yes.

8. Will CID, OSI, or Security Forces get involved?

If allegations involve violence, threats, or child endangerment, possibly.

9. Can the petitioner use the protection order in family court?

Yes. Protection orders often influence custody decisions.

10. Should I move off base?

Do not move without guidance from counsel and command.

Conclusion: Service Members Must Act Immediately and Strategically

If you are in the US Army or US Air Force and are served with a Civil Protection Order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo, you face risks that civilians do not. Your chain of command may take action, your security clearance may be at stake, and your firearm duties may be restricted.

Time is short. Evidence must be collected immediately. Command and legal strategy must be aligned.

Our office has extensive experience representing soldiers and airmen at Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, NORAD, and the Air Force Academy. Contact us immediately for a confidential consultation and military-informed defense strategy.

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.