Denver Violation of Protective Order Lawyer
If you’re facing allegations of violating a protective order in Denver, Colorado, having the right legal representation is crucial to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case. As a dedicated Denver criminal defense lawyer, Jeff Weeden at WeedenLaw offers the guidance and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
To discuss your criminal case with experienced attorney Jeff Weeden, call (720) 307-4330 or reach out online to schedule a free initial consultation today.
Protection Order Colorado
In Colorado, civil protection orders and criminal protection orders serve distinct purposes within the legal system. Civil protection orders, also known as restraining orders, are typically sought by individuals who feel threatened or harassed and are designed to protect them from future harm. These orders are obtained through civil court proceedings and are enforceable by civil contempt proceedings. They often involve disputes between private parties, such as domestic violence situations or cases of stalking or harassment.
On the other hand, criminal protection orders, such as mandatory protection orders (MPOs) or emergency protection orders (EPOs), are issued as part of criminal proceedings and are intended to safeguard victims and witnesses involved in a criminal case. The court automatically imposes these orders upon initiating criminal charges, which are enforceable through criminal sanctions.
Violating a protective order is a serious offense with significant legal consequences. If you’ve been charged with violating a protection order, working with an experienced attorney like Jeff Weeden is crucial to ensure your rights are protected. To discuss your criminal charges, contact WeedenLaw to schedule a free initial consultation.
Types of Protective Orders in Colorado
Understanding the different types of protective orders in Colorado is essential for anyone involved in situations where these legal measures may be necessary. Protective orders can range from temporary orders, which provide immediate but short-term protection, to permanent orders, which are implemented following a formal hearing and can last indefinitely.
Each type of protection order has specific criteria and implications, making it important for individuals to be aware of the options available under Colorado law.
Mandatory Protection Order (MPO)
A mandatory protection order is automatically issued in criminal cases once a defendant is charged, protecting the alleged victims and witnesses involved. The MPO prohibits the accused from harassing, molesting, intimidating, retaliating against, or tampering with any witness to or victim of the acts charged.
This type of order is also known as a criminal protection order. It remains in effect from the time of the defendant’s first court appearance until the case’s final disposition, including any probation period.
Temporary Civil Protection Order (TPO)
A temporary civil protection order, also known as a temporary restraining order, is a short-term measure designed to protect individuals from threats or acts of violence until a more permanent solution can be established through the court system. This temporary protection order is usually sought by someone who feels they are in immediate danger, and it is issued following a brief hearing where the petitioner presents evidence of the threat.
Once granted, a temporary protection order provides immediate legal protection by prohibiting the respondent from contacting or coming near the alleged victim. The order generally lasts until the court schedules a full hearing, usually within 14 days, to decide whether to extend the protection through a permanent protection order.
Permanent Civil Protection Order (PPO)
A permanent civil protection order, or permanent restraining order, provides long-term safety and security to individuals who have experienced threats or acts of violence. This protection order is issued after a more thorough court hearing, where both the petitioner and the respondent can present their evidence and testimonies.
If the court finds sufficient cause based on the evidence presented, they may grant a permanent protection order to replace any previous temporary orders. Unlike temporary protection orders, permanent protection orders can last indefinitely, offering ongoing protection from harassment, stalking, or physical harm.
VPO Meaning
A violation of a protective order (VPO) violation occurs when an individual fails to comply with the conditions set by a court-issued protective order, which is intended to prevent harassment, abuse, stalking, or threats. When stipulations, such as no contact directives, staying away from certain locations, or refraining from specific behaviors, are not adhered to, it constitutes a VPO.
Protection order violations are serious offenses that can result in criminal charges, further legal consequences, and modifications to the existing protective order to provide greater security and enforcement.
What Happens If You Violate a Restraining Order?
When someone disregards the conditions set by a restraining order, whether by contacting the protected party, coming into their vicinity, or any other action prohibited by the order, it triggers immediate legal repercussions, these can include arrest, criminal charges, and potential jail time, depending on the severity and circumstances of the violation.
Additionally, a restraining order violation could lead to modifications or extensions of the existing restraining order, further limiting the offender’s freedoms and enforcing stricter penalties for future non-compliance.
What Happens if Both Parties Violate a Restraining Order?
If both parties violate a restraining order, it can significantly complicate the legal situation and potentially escalate the conflict. Each violation is treated separately, with consequences determined based on the specifics of the infractions and the jurisdiction’s laws. The court generally does not consider mutual violations as justification for either party’s actions, holding each individual accountable for their own compliance with the order.
How Much Jail Time for Violating an Order of Protection?
The amount of jail time for violating an order of protection varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the violation and the offender’s criminal history. In many cases, violating an order of protection is considered a criminal offense, which can result in significant penalties, including jail time.
In the event of a civil protection order violation, a first-time offense is considered a class 2 misdemeanor. This criminal charge can result in up to one year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Any subsequent offense is upgraded to a class 1 misdemeanor and considered an extraordinary risk offense, meaning the penalties increase due to the heightened risk to society. Penalties for second or subsequent civil restraining orders can result in up to two years in jail and fines costing up to $5,000.
Violating a criminal protection order is charged as a class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado, resulting in up to 18 months in jail and fines costing a maximum of $5,000. Subsequent offenses of criminal protection orders are also classified as extraordinary risk and result in up to two years in jail and $5,000 in fines.
If you’ve been charged with violating a Denver restraining order, regardless of whether it’s a criminal or civil protection order, it’s crucial to contact Colorado criminal defense lawyer Jeff Weeden as soon as possible.
What to Do If You’re Accused Of a Colorado Protective Order Violation
If you’ve been accused of a Colorado protective order violation, taking immediate action to protect your rights is crucial. The consequences of a protective order violation can be severe, potentially resulting in criminal charges and significant fines. When facing such a serious situation, obtaining skilled legal representation is paramount.
Consulting with Colorado criminal defense attorney Jeff Weeden at WeedenLaw can provide you with the guidance and advocacy needed to build a strong defense. With Jeff Weeden’s extensive experience in criminal defense, you can trust in his dedication to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
How Jeff Weeden Can Help
Denver restraining order violation attorney Jeff Weeden offers a comprehensive and strategic approach when defending clients against criminal charges for violating restraining orders. Attorney Jeff Weeden begins by thoroughly reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged restraining order violation, carefully examining the evidence, and identifying potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Using this information, Jeff and his legal team will design a personalized defense strategy tailored to the unique aspects of the case, whether it involves challenging the validity of the protective order, disputing the alleged violation, or negotiating for a favorable resolution.
His proactive and client-centered approach aims to mitigate the potential consequences of protective order violations, striving for resolutions that protect clients’ freedoms and futures. With Jeff Weeden’s guidance and advocacy, clients facing allegations of violating protective orders can trust his commitment to providing them with the strongest possible defense.
Defense Strategies for Violation of Protective Orders
In violation of protective order cases, defense strategies often depend on challenging the prosecution’s evidence and establishing doubt regarding the alleged violation. Common defense strategies include claiming a lack of knowledge or awareness of the protective order’s terms, arguing wrongful accusation or mistaken identity, and presenting evidence of factual innocence, such as alibis or conflicting witness testimonies.
Denver criminal defense attorney Jeff Weeden skillfully tailors defense strategies to suit the unique circumstances of each case, drawing upon his extensive experience and legal knowledge to craft personalized approaches that maximize the chances of success.
Whether it involves conducting thorough investigations to uncover exculpatory evidence, challenging the credibility of witnesses, or negotiating favorable plea deals, Jeff Weeden prioritizes strategies that align with his client’s best interests and the specific nuances of their cases.
By analyzing the facts, anticipating the prosecution’s arguments, and leveraging his courtroom experience, Jeff Weeden ensures that his defense strategies are strategic, effective, and tailored to secure the most favorable outcomes for his clients.
Call Denver Protection Order Violation Lawyer Jeff Weeden at WeedenLaw Today
Our criminal attorneys at WeedenLaw are ready to provide skilled legal representation and unwavering advocacy for those charged with violating a protection order in Denver. Whether confronting wrongful accusations, lack of knowledge of the order’s terms, or factual innocence, you can depend on Jeff Weeden and his legal team to fight for your rights and future.
To discuss your Denver restraining order violation charges, call (720) 307-4330 or reach out online to schedule a free initial consultation with experienced criminal defense attorney Jeff Weeden today.
