Serving Aurora, Denver Metro & Colorado | 15+ Years of Domestic Violence Defense Experience
Understanding Mandatory Protection Orders in Domestic Violence Cases
If you have been arrested for domestic violence in Colorado, one of the first and most immediate consequences is the issuance of a Mandatory Protection Order (MPO). Many clients are shocked to learn that this order goes into effect automatically — even before guilt or innocence is determined.
Domestic violence mandatory protection orders are powerful. They can force you out of your home, prevent contact with your children, and impose restrictions that affect your daily life. Violating one is a separate criminal offense that can add jail time and complicate your defense.
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we know how disruptive and unfair MPOs can feel. Our role is to help you understand the order, fight unnecessary restrictions, and protect your rights throughout the domestic violence court process.
What Is a Domestic Violence Mandatory Protection Order?
Under C.R.S. § 18-1-1001, Colorado courts must issue a Mandatory Protection Order (MPO) whenever someone is charged with a domestic violence offense — whether misdemeanor or felony.
This is not optional. Judges issue domestic violence mandatory protection order at the very first court appearance, and they remain in effect until the case is resolved or dismissed.
What Does a Mandatory Protection Order Do?
An MPO can include several restrictions, such as:
No contact with the alleged victim (direct or indirect).
Exclusion from the home you share with the alleged victim.
Restrictions on child contact or visitation if children are involved.
Firearm restrictions, including the surrender of guns and ammunition.
No alcohol or drug use, with possible random testing.
No harassment, intimidation, or threats toward the alleged victim or witnesses.
Even if the alleged victim does not want the protection order, the court issues it automatically.
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Questions about a domestic violence mandatory protection order? Contact our domestic violence attorney today for a free consultation.
How Long Do MPOs Last?
A domestic violence mandatory protection order remains in place:
From the first advisement hearing until the case is resolved (dismissal, acquittal, or sentencing).
If convicted, an MPO may be modified into a permanent order as part of probation conditions.
This means MPOs often last months — or even longer if your case takes time to resolve.
Can a Mandatory Protection Order Be Modified?
Yes. Judges have discretion to modify MPO conditions if there is a good reason. For example:
Allowing limited communication (phone, text, email) for parenting purposes.
Restoring access to the family home.
Adjusting firearm restrictions in limited circumstances.
Your defense attorney must file a motion and present arguments for modification. Courts balance your rights with the safety of the alleged victim, so having a strong legal advocate makes a difference.
Penalties for Violating a Domestic Violence Mandatory Protection Order
Violating an MPO is a separate criminal offense under C.R.S. § 18-6-803.5.
First Violation: Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Subsequent Violations: May be charged as a Class 5 felony, carrying 1–3 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.
Common violations include calling or texting the alleged victim, going to their home or workplace, or attempting indirect contact through friends or family. Even a minor or accidental violation can result in arrest and jail time.
How MPOs Affect Your Daily Life
For many clients, MPOs create immediate and severe hardships:
Forced Separation – You may be prohibited from returning to your home, even if you own it.
Child Custody Complications – Limited or no contact with children until the order is modified.
Employment Issues – MPOs may interfere with jobs that require firearms (law enforcement, security, military).
Reputation Damage – Having a protection order on record may affect relationships, housing, and career opportunities.
This is why fighting to modify overly restrictive MPOs is often just as important as defending against the underlying charges.
MPOs and Firearm Rights
Federal and Colorado law impose strict gun restrictions on anyone subject to a domestic violence MPO.
You must surrender firearms and ammunition while the order is in place.
Law enforcement or a licensed gun dealer may take possession.
If convicted, you may face a permanent firearm ban under federal law.
Failure to surrender firearms is itself a criminal offense.
MPOs and the Domestic Violence Court Process
1. Advisement (First Appearance)
MPO issued automatically.
Conditions explained by the judge.
Defense attorney can begin preparing modification requests.
2. Pretrial Hearings
MPO remains in effect.
Attorney may file motions to allow limited communication or modify restrictions.
3. Trial or Resolution
If charges are dismissed or you are acquitted, the MPO is lifted.
If convicted, MPO conditions may extend through probation.
Defense Strategies Related to MPOs
At The Lawrence Law Firm, we don’t just fight your charges — we also work to reduce the burdens of domestic violence mandatory protection orders while your case is pending. Strategies include:
Challenging Overly Broad MPOs – Arguing for modifications so you can see your children or access your home.
Preventing Violations – Ensuring you fully understand the order to avoid new charges.
Fighting False Reports – Protecting clients accused of MPO violations based on misunderstandings or false allegations.
Seeking Dismissals of Underlying DV Charges – Once charges are dismissed, the MPO ends.
Why Choose The Lawrence Law Firm?
Mandatory protection orders are issued quickly, often with little explanation, leaving defendants confused and overwhelmed. At The Lawrence Law Firm, we help clients by:
Explaining MPO restrictions clearly so you don’t face accidental violations.
Filing motions to modify MPOs when restrictions are unfair or overly burdensome.
Defending against alleged MPO violations to avoid additional convictions.
Fighting underlying DV charges so the order can be lifted.
We know how disruptive these orders are, and we fight to protect your rights, your family, and your future.
Act Now – MPOs Take Effect Immediately
If you have been arrested for domestic violence in Colorado, the Domestic violence Mandatory Protection Order is already in place. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can work to modify the order, protect your rights, and fight the underlying charges.
Contact The Lawrence Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will explain your MPO conditions, help you avoid violations, and aggressively defend you in court.
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- Denver County
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lain@coloradodefenders.com Ph: 720-369-4929
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