Order of Protection Lawyer Plattsburg, MO. If you received a restraining order in Plattsburg, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
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What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place within 15 days, the order of 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 Plattsburg, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Plattsburg, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Plattsburg, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Plattsburg, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two chief instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part 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 means deliberately participating 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Plattsburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Plattsburg, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Plattsburg and Missouri order of protection law. As your Plattsburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Plattsburg, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Plattsburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Plattsburg, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights through the Plattsburg, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Plattsburg, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Plattsburg, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Plattsburg, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed 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 champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Plattsburg, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Plattsburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Plattsburg, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Plattsburg, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.

