Domestic Abuse Prevention Project

Protection Orders~

*What is a protection order?
*Do I need a lawyer to obtain a temporary protection order (TPO)?
*Where do I go to get a protection order?
*How do I get a protection order?
*How much does it cost to do this?
*What happens if the protection order is violated?
*Where can I go for assistance?

What is a protection order?
There are several types of protection orders: some are automatically included in the court action (such as the protection order included in bail bond or in a dissolution action) and others are issued upon proof that the “protected party” is in a danger from the “party to be restrained”. 

Under Colorado Statues a civil domestic violence temporary protection order (TPO) can be issued to restrain: 

With this order you can ask a County Court judge to protect you and your children (unless it is violated, a TPO will not affect anyone’s criminal record). You must tell the judge how the children have been hurt or are in danger. The judge can award you “Temporary Care and Control” of the children for a maximum of 120 days from the date the permanent protection order is granted. It then becomes a custody issue and a matter for District Court.

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Do I need a lawyer to obtain a temporary protection order (TPO)?
It is not necessary to retain the services of an attorney to get a TPO. In fact, overwhelming majority of persons who get protection orders do not have a lawyer.


Where do I go to get a protection order?
You should go to the court in the county where you reside. If you do not live in Boulder County but the restrained party will be served in Boulder County, then you can obtain a protection order in the Boulder County Courts. Hearings are held in Boulder at the Boulder County Justice Center, 1777 6th Street, Monday-Friday and at the Longmont Courts Annex, 1035 Kimbark in Longmont, Monday-Friday. 

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How do I get a protection order?
You may obtain a protection order packet from the Office of the Clerk of Court in either Boulder or Longmont. Hours for the Clerk's office are Monday thru Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm in Boulder and 8:00am to noon and 1:00pm to 4:00pm in Longmont. Upon completion and filing of the forms a hearing will be set before a Judge or Magistrate at which time you will be asked why you are requesting the protection order. If between 4:00pm and 5:00pm you may contact the Clerk's Office in Boulder for assistance, telephone numbers are posted on the door for contacting court staff during this time.

If the judge or magistrate approves the temporary protection order, the order must be served on the party to be restrained. The server must be 18 years old or older and not involved in the dispute. The safest way to have the order served is through the Civil Division of the Sheriff’s Office. They are located in the Boulder County Criminal Justice Center at 1777 6th Street in Boulder. In Longmont, ask the Court Clerk how to arrange service.

When you get a temporary protection order (TPO), you will also be given a court date for consideration of a permanent protection order (PPO). When served with the order, the restrained party will be notified of the permanent hearing and may attend to argue his or her case. Once granted, the permanent protection order (PPO) is permanent; there is no expiration date.

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How much does it cost to do this?
If the court determines the case involves “persons who are, or have been, involved in an intimate relationship”, court fees will be waived. However, you may still be required to pay a county court packet fee. You may download these packets free of charge at www.courts.state.co.us. Click on Colorado Courts home page, the “self-help center” on the left, then select “protection/restraining orders”.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will also waive the fees to serve a protection order in the cases where persons are, or have been, involved in a intimate relationship. Present the protection order information sheet to the Court Clerk.

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What happens if the protection order is violated? 
If you feel immediately threatened or in danger, call 9-1-1. Otherwise you should contact your local law enforcement agency. You must have a copy of the temporary or permanent protection order and proof that the temporary order was served on the restrained party. It is advisable to make several copies of the protection order and proof of service to keep with you at all times. You may also file a written motion for contempt with the Court Clerk’s office and ask for a hearing date.

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The Safehouse and the Safe Shelter conduct protection order clinics at both courts. Please call them for more information. 
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