What Happens If You Get A Restraining Order?

The Basics and Why A Restraining Order Matters

If a restraining order has been filed against you, you’re probably wondering what happens next—and how this might affect your life.

First, know this: a restraining order (also referred to in Colorado as a “protection order”) is not just a piece of paper. It’s a court-issued directive designed to keep one person safe from another, often by limiting or prohibiting contact, locating restrictions, and other specific terms.

In Colorado Springs and throughout the state, these orders frequently arise in situations involving domestic relationships—but they aren’t limited to those. Even if you weren’t expecting one, once it’s issued, it has serious legal consequences.

How a Restraining Order Comes About

Here’s a typical sequence you might encounter:

• Filing a Petition for a Temporary Protection Order (TPO): Someone seeking protection goes to court and asks for a temporary order. They outline why they believe they’re in danger or at risk from you. At this stage, you may not even be in the room.
• Issuance of the Temporary Order: If the judge believes there’s a real risk of harm or contact, a temporary order gets issued—sometimes within hours. It often lasts until a full hearing.
• Service of the Order: You’ll be notified that a protection order has been entered and given details of the hearing date and the terms of the order. Law enforcement often serves the papers.
• Hearing for a Permanent Protection Order: At the hearing, both sides have a chance to speak. Evidence gets presented. If the court determines ongoing protection is needed, it can issue a more long-term or indefinite order.
• Terms of the Permanent Order and Life After: When it goes permanent, the order may include restrictions like: no contact of any kind, staying away from certain locations, vacating a shared home, surrendering firearms, or keeping clear of a spouse or partner’s children.

What Being the Respondent Means for You

If you’re the person the order is filed against (the “respondent”), there are immediate and practical implications:

• You may be required to stop all direct and indirect contact with the protected person—phone, text, social media, email, even messages through other people.
• You might have to keep your distance from their home, school, workplace, or vehicle.
• If you share a home, you might have to move out or follow a court-set schedule.
• Possession of firearms may be temporarily or permanently restricted.

Violating the terms of the order is a criminal offense—and that means you can be arrested, charged, and face jail time or fines.

Many people don’t realize how strict these orders are. Even returning home to gather personal belongings, responding to a text, or dropping off children can trigger a violation if the order’s terms aren’t followed precisely.

What This Means for the Person Seeking Protection

If you are the one who requested the order (the “petitioner”):

• The order gives you a legal tool to stop unwanted contact, stalking, harassment, or fear of violence.
• You can ask the court for a hearing to make the order permanent, where you’ll present your reasons and evidence.
• It provides legal backing—violating it means the respondent can be arrested and charged.
• It may affect other aspects of your case (child custody, divorce, etc.) if there are related legal proceedings.

Why You Should Talk to a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Right Away

Whether you’re the one who filed the order or the one against whom it’s filed, it’s wise to get legal guidance early. For respondents, moving quickly can reduce the risk of misunderstanding the terms, help you potentially challenge unclear restrictions or improper service, and keep you from a criminal charge. For petitioners, counsel ensures the order is done right and any hearing is fully prepared.

At the Law Office of Jeremy Loew, we’ve handled thousands of protection-order and domestic-violence related cases. We understand how distressing this process can be. We’ll explain what the order means in plain terms, what your rights are, and what you should (and should not) do next to protect your freedom or your safety.

Next Steps

Have you been served with a protection order? Or are you considering seeking one against someone else? Either way, don’t wait. Contact Attorney Jeremy Loew today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, walk through your options, and help you move calmly forward.

Call now: (719) 387-4111

Charges We Defend