Violating a protective order tied to a domestic violence case is itself a crime in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-6-803.5, separate from whatever the underlying case involves. A first or second violation of a criminal protection order is a class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000. Civil protection orders are treated the same way when stalking was alleged or the parties were in an intimate relationship, and as a lesser class 2 misdemeanor (up to 120 days and a $750 fine) otherwise.
Why violating it stacks the case against you
If the violation happens while committing another crime, harassment, a new assault, prosecutors can file that as an additional charge on top of the violation itself, and a third or subsequent violation can escalate the charge to a felony.
The federal consequence that follows you everywhere
Federal law imposes a lifetime ban on possessing firearms or ammunition for anyone convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor, a consequence that applies nationwide regardless of what Colorado’s own penalty looks like, and it doesn’t expire.
What to do next
If you’re facing this in Colorado, call Mile High Legal at (720) 853-5779 for a free consultation. The earlier a defense attorney gets involved, the more options are usually still on the table.
