Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Warrensburg, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Warrensburg, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Warrensburg, 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 established 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 Warrensburg, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to abstain from any form of contact with the petitioner.

Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of 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 evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner 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 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 Warrensburg, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Warrensburg, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Warrensburg, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Warrensburg, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- 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 means deliberately undertaking 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device

Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Warrensburg, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Warrensburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing an order of protection in Warrensburg, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Warrensburg and Missouri order of protection law. As your Warrensburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Warrensburg, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Warrensburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, getting the help 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 Warrensburg, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Share all applicable 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, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights throughout the Warrensburg, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Warrensburg, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:

Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at 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 includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Warrensburg, MO, Missouri

Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms as per 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Warrensburg, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.

Other cases we take on in Warrensburg, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Warrensburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today

In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.

To begin the preliminary step in the direction of securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Warrensburg, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Warrensburg, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.

Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Warrensburg, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.