Need some good advice - Where to start! We were married 15 years, no domestic violence or any interaction with law enforcement. I also have never been arrested or charged with anything in my 39 years. I have always been a good father and husband. I have never threatened, harassed, or stalked my ex-wife. My ex-wife put had a TRO put on me the day after I mentioned I was going back to court to modify the custody of our children and it would affect the amount of money she is receiving. I went to court to fight the TRO, she said she was not ready (I travel for my work) and she called a lawyer on the phone, who then the judge called and made notification he would appear for my ex. The TRO hearing was delayed 6 weeks due to her lawyer and my schedule not "accommodating" to each other. At the initial TRO hearing it was stipulated I could be at the athletic events of my children and could be with them, just needed to keep be on opposite sides of the field around my ex. We had this going for roughly 6 weeks, 2 practices, 2 games a week. Always would walk my son after practice to my ex-father in law's car or within 20 yards of my ex. We would exchange pleasantries, then part ways. This week I mentioned (keep in mind we were roughly 20 yards apart) I had subpoenaed the children, she engaged in conversation of a couple sentences, then not satisfied with my answers she said we shouldn't be talking with each other as I was walking to my car. 3 hours later I received a call from Douglas County Sheriff, saying my ex had called in a complaint. I told him what had transpired, he asked if I wanted to come in to give a statement. I said no (9:00pm at night and a half hour drive). Roughly a half hour later, Arapahoe county sheriff shows up with two deputies, asked if they could come in and then had me sit on my couch saying a Douglas County Sheriff was on his way to ask me questions. 45 minutes later, 10pm at night, DC sheriff shows up and I was arrested and put in DC jail for the night on charges of violating a protection order and harassment. Upon being released on a personal recognizance bond, the female DC deputy said this was ridiculous and not to worry about anything. The sheriff notified my ex about my release, and I was told her only question was "how does this affect the TRO hearing" Among other things a mandatory protection order was issued which stated "stay away from any other location the victim(s) is/are likely to be found". She then called the DA's office to request I be barred from the athletic events. I have to go to criminal pretrial Nov 5th as well as to our domestic TRO hearing October 30th. My only intention is to see my children as well as to fight the TRO so I do not end up in jail as we live less than a mile apart and do not want to fear running into her anywhere. At this point I am more concerned with getting the domestic TRO dropped as I was told likely the criminal violation of the TRO would be dropped, although going to jail and going to court in general leaves me a bit wary of the entire legal process. I do not really have lawyer funds left following a long lawyer driven divorce and was hoping someone might point me in the direction of resources that can help me in presenting my cases. I appreciate anyone's time and advice on this matter. Thanks!!!
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