Order of Protection Lawyer Lafayette County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Lafayette County, MO order of protection defense lawyers are trusted and esteemed criminal defense attorneys dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals who have been served with a restraining order. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Legal Videos
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to abstain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t occur within 15 days, the immediate protection automatically expires. After the hearing, a judge can issue a full order that lasts between 180 days to up to two years, depending on how serious a threat the Lafayette County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Lafayette County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Lafayette County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lafayette County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lafayette County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Lafayette County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Lafayette County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lafayette County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lafayette County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lafayette County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you deserve amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Lafayette County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and aid defend your rights through the Lafayette County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Lafayette County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lafayette County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms as per federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Lafayette County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Lafayette County, MO include:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lafayette County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Lafayette County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Lafayette County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
