Whether you’re seeking a protection order or defending against one, the outcome can affect every part of your daily life. Our attorneys guide clients in Longmont through the process with clarity and confidence.

Protection Orders in Longmont: Know Your Rights

Protection orders can carry serious and lasting consequences for your family, reputation, and future. Many are filed for legitimate reasons, including concerns over domestic violence. In some cases, however, they are misused during divorce or custody disputes.

At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we take the time to explain your rights and outline your options. Our attorneys are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

What is a Protection Order in Longmont?

Protection orders are also commonly referred to as restraining orders. They are issued by Longmont courts to keep one person from contacting another. Judges grant protection orders when they feel that someone’s well-being is genuinely under threat at the hands of another.

Type 1: Criminal Protection Orders

In Longmont, as well as the rest of Colorado, criminal protection orders are also known as mandatory protection orders (MPOs). Judges enact mandatory protection orders (MPOs) during active criminal cases to protect witnesses and victims from defendants/offenders.

Common court cases where criminal protection orders are issued include:

• Domestic violence
• Assault
• Sexual assault
• Online sex crimes
• Kidnapping

How Long Do Colorado Criminal Protection Orders Last?

Mandatory protection orders (MPOs) in Colorado remain in place until the criminal case is formally concluded, such as when a defendant completes their sentence following a trial verdict or a plea agreement.

For example, if someone in Longmont is charged with assault and receives a one-year probation sentence, the mandatory protection order (MPO) would stay in effect until the full year of probation is completed.

Mandatory protection orders (MPOs) also expire if a defendant is found not guilty and/or the judge drops the criminal case.

Typical Criminal Protection Order Scenario in Longmont

If someone is arrested in Longmont on domestic violence charges, the Boulder County court will automatically issue a mandatory protection order (MPO). This order prohibits the defendant from contacting the alleged victim in any way, including visits, texts, or phone calls. It also bars the defendant from possessing firearms or alcohol while the case is active, to protect the other party’s safety.

Have questions about criminal protection orders in Longmont? Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. is here to help!

Type 2: Civil Protection Orders

Civil protection orders (CPOs) are another type of protection order ordered by Longmont courts. While criminal protection orders are issued automatically by judges, civil protection orders (CPOs) must be filed by Longmont residents. It’s almost always the case that people file for civil protection orders (CPOs) when they fear for their safety.

Situations where civil protection orders are issued in Longmont include:

• Stalking
• Threats
• Domestic violence
• Sexual assault
• Elder abuse

How Long Do Colorado Civil Protection Orders Last?

Civil protection orders (CPOs) in Longmont typically begin as temporary protection orders (TPOs), which last approximately 14 days until a second court hearing is held. At this hearing, a judge decides whether to make the order permanent. If granted, a permanent protection order (PPO) remains in effect indefinitely.

Typical Civil Protection Order Scenario in Longmont

After repeated unwanted visits and threatening messages from an ex-boyfriend in Longmont, a female petitioner files for a civil protection order (CPO). The Boulder County court issues a temporary order lasting 14 days to keep the ex-boyfriend from contacting her. After reviewing evidence and the petitioner’s testimony at a second hearing, the judge grants a permanent protection order (PPO).

Do you have questions about Longmont civil protection orders? The legal experts at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. will put your mind at ease!

How Does My Life Change After Successfully Filing a Protection Order?

If you are the petitioner, a protection order adds an essential layer of security to your daily life. Since it is illegal for the restrained person to contact you in any way, you should feel safer attending work, school, and social activities. If the respondent lives or works nearby, you will have to discuss the situation with your attorney and the courts to figure out the best way to avoid unwanted encounters.

How Does My Life Change If A Protection Order Is Issued Against Me?

Your life will likely change significantly if a protection order is successfully filed against you. Beyond being legally barred from contacting the petitioner, there is a chance you will also be barred from possessing firearms and alcohol. This notion is particularly true if you have a violent criminal history or a track record of substance abuse. Criminal charges for violating protection orders are as follows:

• Class 1 Misdemeanor: carries a maximum sentence of 18 months in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.
• Class 2 Misdemeanor: carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

It is also very likely that you will face challenges with employment, housing, and custody matters if you have a protection order issued against you in Longmont.

Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C: Your Longmont Protection Order Attorneys

The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. know exactly how to navigate protection order cases. Our experience in the Longmont courts includes, but isn’t limited to:

• Initial civil protection order (CPO) court hearings
• Navigating temporary protection orders (TPOs)
• Second hearings for permanent protection orders (PPOs)
• Dealing with respondents contesting permanent protection orders (PPOs)
• Request limitations on certain provisions for respondents

No matter which side of the case you’re on, we help clients navigate the complexities of protection orders with skill and care. Let Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. stand by your side!