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There are two types of protection orders and both are issued by a judge. One is a civil protection order, and one is a criminal protection order.
CRIMINAL PROTECTION ORDERS
► If a defendant has a criminal case with our office and you would like a protection order, a Victim Advocate can assist you.
► A criminal protection order is issued as a condition of a criminal case. This means the order is only in effect as long as the defendant’s criminal case is active. When the defendant’s case is closed the criminal protection order is also closed and no longer in effect.
►There is no charge for a criminal protection order.
► A criminal protection order cannot address personal property, custody of the children, or any other civil matter.
CIVIL PROTECTION ORDERS
► A civil protection order is something you must file for in the civil courts. Our office cannot provide you with any legal representation. In most situations, victims are able to file a civil protection order without the assistance of an attorney.
► If you want a civil protection order, you can file for one in the jurisdiction where you live or work, or in the jurisdiction where the person you want to get a protection order against lives or works.
► If the protection order is against someone you have had an intimate relationship with, there is no fee. If the protection order is against a family member or someone with whom you have not had an intimate relationship, there may be a fee.
► The civil protection order that are free to victims of domestic violence
Civil Courts
1515 Cleveland 4th floor
Phone: 303-640-5161
Call ahead for hours of operation
► Unlike criminal orders, civil orders can be made permanent (for life).
► A civil order can address care and control of children and other civil matters.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE DEFENDANT VIOLATES MY PROTECTION ORDER?
If the defendant should attempt any contact with you in violation of the protection order, please consider the following:
1) If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
2) If you are not in immediate danger, call a non-emergency number (for Denver Police call 720-913-2000) and report the violation of the protection order.
3) If the defendant telephones you, hang up the phone and dial *57. This will put a legal trace on the phone call. Keep in mind you will be charged each time you do this. A recording device can also be helpful to show that the defendant has violated the protection order. If the defendant does contact you by telephone, remind him/her that s/he is violating the protection order by contacting you, record the date and time s/he called and inform the defendant you are calling the police. Then call the police as soon as possible.
4) Whenever possible, carry a disposable camera with you so you can take a photo of the defendant if he/she violates the order. Then call the police as soon as possible.
5) Keep any voice mail, text messages, e-mails, or letters from the defendant – the police will want them.
6) If appropriate, make sure your employer, friends, and neighbors have a copy of the order.
7) If possible and appropriate, make sure your employer, friends, and neighbors have (or have seen) a picture of the defendant.
IF YOU WANT TO TALK TO THE DEFENDANT OR REQUEST THAT THE ORDER BE VACATED, PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
1) If you initiate contact with the defendant and the defendant responds, the defendant can be arrested for violating the protection order. Each protection order clearly states, “If you violate this order thinking that a victim or witness has given you permission to do so you are wrong, and can be arrested and prosecuted.”
2) If you want to vacate the criminal protection order you should call the City Attorney Victim Advocacy Program at 720-913-8020. You will be required to come to the office/courthouse to sign paperwork. You may also be requested to go before the judge. The judge will make the final decision if the order should be vacated.
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