How Do You Reduce a Military Protective Order?

If you’re a service member in California, an MPO can feel like a direct blow to your career and personal life. After an MPO is issued against you, you may be asking, “How do you reduce a military protective order?”

What Is a Military Protective Order?

A military protective order (MPO) is an administrative order that is used by military commanders after allegations of domestic violence, stalking, or other similar misconduct. Unlike civilian protective orders, MPOs are not issued by a court and do not require a hearing.

These orders are enforceable only within military jurisdictions and only against active-duty personnel. An MPO can restrict contact between active-duty personnel, mandate a relocation, or prohibit access to specific areas. A service member may be subject to both an MPO and a civilian protective order at the same time.

The Consequences of an MPO

An MPO is not a criminal conviction, but it can mean administrative actions taken against you. You may face the removal of security clearance, involuntary separation from the service, and restrictions on duty assignments. The order could even impact promotion opportunities and whether you are eligible for certain benefits.

If you violate an order, it could result in court-martial proceedings and further disciplinary action, such as imprisonment or dishonorable discharge.

The Path to Reduce or Modify a Military Protective Order

If you are looking to reduce or modify an MPO, you will need to navigate military protocols, which will be much more manageable with an attorney who understands the military legal system. When you hire a military criminal defense lawyer, they can represent you throughout the reduction or modification process.

Understand the Nature of an MPO

You must first understand what an MPO is and what it is not. An MPO is not a criminal conviction or a finding of guilt; rather, it is an administrative order that places restrictions on a service member’s conduct. The primary purpose is to:

• Safeguard an alleged victim.
• Quell any disturbances, prevent any further conflict, and restore order within the command.
• Maintain good order and discipline to uphold the standards of conduct expected from service members.

Gather Evidence

The next step to take is to collect all evidence that refutes the allegations that led to the MPO in the first place. This may include text messages, emails, witness statements, or other documents that may present a different interpretation of the situation.

Address the Underlying Issues

Most often, an MPO comes from a larger issue. It can be a powerful defense if you and your lawyer can demonstrate that you are actively addressing these underlying issues. This may involve showing that you are attending counseling or substance abuse programs, or you may be completing anger management programs. Documenting these proactive steps shows your commander that you are taking the situation seriously and want positive changes.

Modify or Terminate the Civilian Protective Order (CPO) If Applicable

In some cases, you may also have a civilian protective order. If a CPO is in place, you may want to seek a modification or termination of that order through the civilian court system. If this is done, it may influence the command’s decision to terminate or reduce your MPO.

Present Your Case to the Commander

The power to modify or terminate an MPO will rest with the issuing commander. Your strategy will have to focus on presenting a compelling case to present to them. Your attorney will understand the military system and how to communicate your position most effectively by:

• Presenting new evidence
• Highlighting the mitigating factors
• Arguing why the MPO is no longer necessary or should be reduced

The Role of a Skilled Military Defense Lawyer

California has the highest number of active-duty troops across the country, 33% as of 2025. At Aaron Meyer Law, our California-based military defense team understands the UCMJ and how military law differs from civilian law. Our goal is to protect your career and rights, fight for the reduction of the MPO, and work to prevent the negative repercussions of the order, from the loss of security clearance to firearms restrictions.

FAQs

Q: What Is a Military Protective Order (MPO)?

A: An MPO encompasses formal orders issued by a military commander to protect an individual from a service member. These are usually issued in response to domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking, or other similar behaviors. When a service member violates an MPO, their actions may be prosecutable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Q: What Reasons May Justify Reducing an MPO?

A: An MPO may be reduced for a multitude of reasons, including:

• There are no credible threats.
• New evidence was found that exonerates the accused.
• The protected party made a request.

It could also be modified if the parties agree to mediation or the commander determines that a less restrictive measure is enough. Military criminal defense laws may also apply in these cases.

Q: How Long Do Military Protective Orders Last?

A: MPOs do not have a set expiration date, so they may remain in effect indefinitely or until the issuing commanding officer terminates or chooses to modify the order. Many commanders review MPOs from time to time to determine whether they are still necessary or if they are still relevant and effective.

Q: What Happens If I Violate the MPO While Trying to Get It Reduced?

A: Violating an MPO is a very serious offense, regardless of your intentions. A violation is considered a failure to obey an order under the UCMJ, so you may be facing disciplinary action, such as:

• A non-judicial punishment
• A court-martial
• Confinement
• In more serious situations, a dishonorable discharge

Furthermore, any violation of the MPO may undermine your efforts to reduce the order.

Hire a Skilled Military Attorney for Military Criminal Defense Cases

An MPO can be a serious and even career-ending event, meaning the process of reducing or terminating an order can be a challenge. This is why you need a skilled military criminal defense attorney who can fight for your career. Contact the team at Aaron Meyer Law so we can build a strong legal case and fight for you. Through our work, you can continue to serve our country with honor.