Order of Protection Lawyer Macon County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Macon 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 legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at 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 …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to protect people who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to abstain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 happen 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 Macon County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Macon County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Macon County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Macon County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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 medium or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Macon County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Macon County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Macon County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Macon County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Macon County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Macon County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you deserve amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Macon County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Macon County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Macon County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances 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 includes:
- 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 Macon County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Macon County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Macon County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Macon County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Macon County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Macon County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
