Atchison County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Atchison County, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Atchison 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Atchison County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to refrain 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.

If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 Atchison County, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Atchison County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Atchison County, MO, reach out to 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 Atchison County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking means intentionally undertaking 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device

In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Atchison County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Atchison County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing an order of protection in Atchison County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Atchison County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Atchison County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Atchison County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Atchison County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, receiving the support 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 Atchison County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like arrest.
Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as essential 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. Getting legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.

Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights through the Atchison County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Atchison County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative 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 detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
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 make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Atchison County, MO, Missouri

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

Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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, 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 result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Atchison County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.

Other cases we take on in Atchison County, MO include:

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

If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.

To begin the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Atchison County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Atchison County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Atchison County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.