Many people in Greeley facing a restraining order ask one of the most common questions in criminal defense: Do restraining orders go on your record? The short answer depends heavily on the circumstances, and the details matter more than most people realize. At McAdams Law Office, we work with clients across Weld County who need clear, honest answers before making decisions about their future. Getting a one-on-one legal consultation early can make a meaningful difference in how your situation unfolds.
Restraining orders, on their own, do not appear on a standard criminal background check. Under C.R.S. § 13-14-105, Colorado courts handle protection orders as civil matters, granting municipal and county courts authority to issue protective provisions such as restricting contact, excluding a party from a home, and addressing custody arrangements, all without filing a criminal charge. A judge can issue an order based on a petitioner’s claims alone, and because the entire process runs through civil court, the order itself does not generate a criminal record entry.
Although civil in nature, these orders are not invisible. They are issued through formal court proceedings, meaning the record is maintained within the civil court system. Consequently, they appear in comprehensive background checks used by licensing boards, government agencies, employers requiring security clearances, and firearms dealers. A standard job application check may not reveal the order, but professional and government-level screenings will.
In Colorado, violating a protection order is a criminal offense under C.R.S. § 18-6-803.5. A conviction for this crime will be added to your criminal record. This record will then appear on standard background checks, affecting areas such as employment, housing, and professional licensing.
A first violation of a protection order typically qualifies as a Class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado, which can carry potential jail time and fines. Repeat violations or those involving physical contact or threats can escalate to a Class 5 felony. Felony convictions carry significantly longer penalties and lasting collateral consequences. The distinction between a civil protection order and a criminal conviction matters enormously, which makes understanding your legal standing from the start a priority.
The type of background check determines what an employer, landlord, or agency will see. A basic commercial check, common for most jobs, likely returns only criminal convictions. A deeper check, the kind run for federal employment, security clearances, firearm purchases, or professional licenses, pulls from broader databases where civil protection orders appear.
¨We’re not just a business in Weld County; we’re a part of the community. Living and working here, we’re dedicated to supporting the people of Greeley. Our office is right by the courthouse, deep in the heart of the local legal scene. With over 140 jury trials in 20 years, our experienced attorneys understand that everyone deserves respect and a strong defense, no matter the situation¨
Beyond background checks, a restraining order, or a related criminal violation can ripple across several areas of daily life. Employers in fields like healthcare, education, law enforcement, and financial services conduct enhanced screenings where a civil protection order carries real weight. Child custody proceedings also frequently bring protection orders into consideration, where family court judges weigh the existence of an order when evaluating parenting arrangements.
For firearms specifically, a qualifying protection order can restrict firearm possession even without a criminal conviction, which surprises many people navigating this situation for the first time. The civil nature of the order does not soften this consequence, and the order remains visible to firearms dealers and agencies conducting gun-related screenings.
These consequences do not require a criminal conviction to cause lasting disruption.
A restraining order does not have to define your future. People often ask do restraining orders go on your record because the stakes feel immediate and real. Whether you face a temporary or permanent protection order in Weld County, acting quickly matters. At McAdams Law Office, we treat every case with the care and attention it deserves. Call us today at (970) 353-0000 for a confidential consultation.
| DUI/DWAI Victories | Criminal Defense Wins |
|---|---|
People v. S.M.Two DUIs downgraded to DWAI, |
People v. M.J.Assault and child abuse charges |
People v. S.D.DUI dismissed, pled to |
People v. S.C.Theft charge dropped, |
People v. B.S.Breath test challenged, |
People v. A.E.Drug charges dismissed, |
People v. E.B.No jail, favorable plea despite |
People v. J.K.Burglary plea reduced, |
People v. R.G.One DWAI dismissed, another reduced with minimal work release. |
People v. C.R.Traffic offense reduced, |
William T. McAdams, known as Bill, is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Since establishing McAdams Law Office in 2006, he has represented clients in cases including DUI, domestic violence, and theft, handling over 100 jury trials. Bill serves clients predominantly in Weld and Larimer counties, including Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, and Fort Collins. An active community volunteer and member of multiple legal associations, he is dedicated to protecting his clients’ rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partiner, William McAdams who has more than 25 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.