Know the Laws: Colorado
UPDATED September 28, 2011
A restraining order or protective order is a legal order issued by a state court which requires one person to stop harming another. In Colorado, there are domestic violence protection orders and protection orders for stalking, sexual assault, physical harm/threats and abuse of elderly/at-risk adult, which are explained below.
- Overview of Civil vs. Criminal Law
Some restraining orders are issued in criminal court and some are issued in civil court.
- Domestic Violence Protection Orders
A civil order that provides protection from harm by any person who is related to you by blood or marriage, has lived with you or lives with you now or any person whom you have had an intimate relationship.
- Protection Orders for Stalking, Sexual Assault, Physical Harm/Threats and Abuse of Elderly/At-Risk Adult
A civil order designed to stop violent, threatening, harassing, stalking or sexually abusive behavior and to protect you and your family members from an abuser whether or not you are related or in an intimate relationship.
- Moving to another State with a Protection Order
Your protection order can be enforceable wherever you move.
- Enforcing your Out-of-State order in CO
If you are planning to move to CO or are going to be in CO for any reason, your protection or restraining order may be enforced.