If you are charged with Domestic Violence in Weld County, Colorado, one of the first things the court will issue, is a mandatory protection order, commonly called an MPO.
These orders can be confusing, disruptive, and frightening, especially for people arrested in Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Johnstown, Milliken, Fort Lupton, Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, Kersey, Eaton, or other Weld County communities.
Understanding how mandatory protection orders work is critical, because violating an MPO is a separate criminal offense and can seriously impact your case.
What Is a Mandatory Protection Order? A Weld County DV Attorney Explains
A mandatory protection order is automatically issued by the court in every Domestic Violence case in Colorado, regardless of the facts of the case or the wishes of the alleged victim.
Unlike civil restraining orders, an MPO is related to a criminal case and court ordered, meaning:
- It goes into effect immediately after arrest or filing of charges
- The judge has very limited discretion in issuing it
- It remains in place unless the court modifies or dismisses it
In Weld County, defendants often learn about the MPO at their first advisement in court, usually held in Greeley.
Common Restrictions in a Weld County MPO
While every case is different, most mandatory protection orders include some or all of the following conditions:
- No contact with the alleged victim (direct or indirect)
- No harassment, intimidation, or retaliation
- Stay away from the alleged victim’s home, workplace, or school
- No possession or use of firearms or weapons
- Compliance with bond conditions
Even text messages, social media contact, or messages sent through friends or family can violate an MPO.
Can the Alleged Victim “Drop” the Protection Order?
This is one of the most common misconceptions in Weld County Domestic Violence cases.
The alleged victim cannot drop or cancel a Mandatory Protection Order. Only the judge has the authority to modify or remove it.
Even if the protected party:
- Wants contact
- Invites communication
- Lives with you
- Relies on you financially
You are still legally prohibited from contact unless the court modifies the order.
What Happens If You Violate a Colorado DV Mandatory Protection Order?
Violating an MPO is a new criminal charge, usually a class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado.
In Weld County, an alleged violation can lead to:
- Immediate arrest
- Increased bond or revocation of bond
- Jail time
- A weaker position in your underlying Domestic Violence case
Judges in Weld County take MPO violations seriously, even when the contact seems minor or mutual.
Can a Mandatory Protection Order Be Modified?
In some cases, yes, but it requires careful legal handling.
A Weld County criminal defense lawyer may be able to request:
- Modification to allow peaceful contact
- Permission for third-party contact
- Limited contact related to children, housing, or finances
Judges will often consider:
- The nature of the allegations
- Criminal history
- Safety concerns
- Whether both parties are requesting modification
However, modification is never guaranteed, and attempting contact before a court order is entered can make things worse.
How Mandatory Protection Orders Affect Your Daily Life
For many defendants in Greeley and surrounding towns, MPOs can disrupt:
- Living arrangements
- Child custody or parenting time
- Employment
- Access to personal property
- Firearm ownership and hunting rights
Because Weld County includes many rural and family-oriented communities, these restrictions can feel especially severe, but violating the order only compounds the problem.
If you or someone you love are dealing with a DV Mandatory Protect Order, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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