How to Get a Restraining Order in Denver, Colorado

The following information explains step by step how to get a Restraining Order in Denver, Colorado.

How to Obtain a Temporary Restraining Order

If you have been physically harmed, someone has threatened to harm you or an act of violence has occurred, you can obtain a temporary restraining order at Denver County Court, Courtroom 11S, in the Pre-Arraignment and Detention Facility at 1351 Cherokee Street, Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. (The PADF is at the corner of 14th & Cherokee across the courtyard from the Denver Police Headquarters.) When you arrive in Court, you will fill out a form explaining why you need a temporary restraining order. The Judge will review the documents and make a determination whether the restraining order should be issued. If the restraining order is issued, then you will have two weeks to have the other party served with a copy of the temporary restraining order. The temporary restraining order becomes effective once the party is served with the order. Anyone over 18 years old, other than you, can serve the temporary restraining order on the other party.

How to Make the Temporary Restraining Order Permanent

Once the other party is served with the temporary restraining order, you will need to provide the court with proof of service. If the other party was not served with the temporary restraining order, then you can ask the court for a continuance. It is up to the court to decide whether to give you a continuance. If the other party is served with the temporary restraining order and fails to appear for the hearing, then the permanent protection order should be entered. If the other party appears and opposes the restraining order, then the Judge will conduct a hearing to determine if the restraining order should be issued. You will have an opportunity to explain why you want and need the restraining order and the other party will have an opportunity to rebut your testimony. After the Judge has heard all the evidence, then he or she will make a determination whether to issue the restraining order.