Understanding No-Contact Orders in Colorado Domestic Violence Cases
If you’ve been accused of domestic violence in Colorado, one of the first legal consequences you may face is a no-contact order. Often issued at the time of arrest or arraignment, this court directive prohibits you from having any form of contact with the alleged victim—sometimes even when that person doesn’t request it.
While intended to ensure safety, no-contact orders can deeply impact your personal life, living arrangements, and ability to see your children. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the criminal justice system while dealing with restrictive conditions.
What Is a No-Contact Order in Colorado?
A no-contact order (also known as a protection order or restraining order) is a court-imposed restriction that prohibits an individual from having direct or indirect contact with another person. In the context of Colorado domestic violence cases, these are standard conditions following an arrest or criminal charge involving domestic abuse.
Under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-1-1001), no-contact orders are mandatory in domestic violence-related cases. This applies whether the alleged abuse involved physical violence, threats, or emotional harm.
How No-Contact Orders Are Issued in Colorado DV Cases
The moment a person is arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, they will typically be held without bond until they appear before a judge, usually within 24–48 hours. At that first court appearance, the judge will:
- Set bail (if appropriate)
- Establish bail conditions
- Issue a mandatory protection order (MPO), often including a no-contact clause
What the Court Considers
- Alleged facts of the incident
- Criminal history and prior DV allegations
- Whether children were present or involved
- The relationship between the accused and alleged victim
- Any concerns about future safety
Domestic violence protective orders in Colorado take effect immediately and typically remain in place for the duration of the criminal proceedings.
What Does a No-Contact Order Restrict?
No-contact orders can vary in scope but generally prohibit:
- Physical proximity to the protected person (home, workplace, school, etc.)
- Direct communication (calls, text, emails)
- Indirect communication through third parties or social media
- Possession of firearms or dangerous weapons
- Any conduct that could be perceived as threatening or harassing
In many cases, the order also prohibits returning to a shared residence, meaning you may be legally barred from your own home, even if you pay the rent or mortgage.
These court order restrictions apply even if the alleged victim initiates contact or says they want to reconcile. Only the court can lift or modify a no-contact order.
Consequences of Violating a No-Contact Order
Violation of a no-contact order is a separate criminal offense under Colorado law (C.R.S. § 18-6-803.5). If you’re found to have knowingly violated the order, you may face:
- Arrest and jail time
- Additional charges
- Bail revocation
- Contempt of court
- Harsher penalties if convicted on the underlying DV charge
Even accidental or seemingly harmless contact (e.g., liking a social media post or sending a message through a mutual friend) can be interpreted as a violation.
Modifying a No-Contact Order in Colorado
If the alleged victim wants contact reinstated or you believe the order is too restrictive, you must formally petition the court for a modification. This is known as a motion to modify the protection order.
Key requirements of this process include:
- A hearing must be scheduled and both parties may present testimony.
- The protected party must consent to modifying the order.
- The court will assess safety, the nature of the offense, and whether the accused has complied with prior court orders.
The court may:
- Modify the order to allow limited contact (e.g., to discuss child custody)
- Lift the no-contact clause entirely
- Leave the order unchanged
Even when both parties want to reconcile, modifying a no-contact order in Colorado requires strict legal procedures and judicial approval. Failing to follow the process—such as making contact before a modification is granted—can lead to immediate arrest.
Can a No-Contact Order Be Dropped After a Dismissal?
In most cases, once the domestic violence case is dismissed or resolved, the mandatory protection order is lifted automatically. But some protection orders may be converted into civil restraining orders, especially if the alleged victim requests ongoing protection.
It’s important to:
- Confirm with the court that the order has been dissolved
- Retain legal documentation showing the order has ended
- Avoid any contact until the court officially removes the restriction
Impact of a No-Contact Order on Family and Employment
For many of our clients, the biggest concern isn’t the criminal charge itself—it’s the immediate disruption to their family, home life, and employment.
You may face:
- Inability to return home or see your children
- Missed work due to court or custody complications
- Job loss if the order restricts you from your workplace or violates employer conduct policies
In domestic violence cases involving shared parenting, courts may impose temporary parenting plans or require supervised visitation. We frequently work with family law attorneys and counselors to help our clients maintain access to their children while complying with protective orders.
How a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Can Help
At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we provide aggressive, strategic defense for individuals facing domestic violence allegations and the resulting DV protective orders in Colorado. Our goals are to:
- Minimize the initial impact of a no-contact order
- Seek modification when appropriate
- Help you comply with court requirements
- Fight the underlying charges and work toward dismissal or reduction
We bring over 30 years of criminal defense experience. Timothy Busey is also a former prosecutor, and he has successfully defended complex domestic violence cases throughout Colorado Springs and El Paso County.
We understand how to challenge weak evidence, protect your constitutional rights, and work within the system to keep you and your family safe and legally protected.
Speak With Our Experienced Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in Colorado Springs
Whether you’re facing your first domestic violence charge or dealing with ongoing court order restrictions, time is critical. The decisions made in the early stages of your case—especially regarding no-contact orders—can shape your legal options and your life.
Call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., today at (719) 475-2555. Our Colorado Springs domestic violence lawyers will review your charges, explain your rights, and help you pursue a defense strategy that protects your freedom, your family, and your future.
