Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Audrain County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Audrain County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Audrain County, 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 highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Audrain County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online 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 critical legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders 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 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 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 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 Audrain County, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Audrain County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Audrain County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Audrain 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to comply
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger 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

Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Audrain County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.

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

Should you be facing an order of protection in Audrain County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Audrain County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Audrain County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Audrain County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Audrain County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, getting the support and advocacy you require 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 Audrain County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:

Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully 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, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering 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 help protect your rights through the Audrain County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Audrain County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:

Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your defense strategy.
Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. 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 Audrain County, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like 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, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Audrain County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing 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 Audrain County, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Audrain County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now

If you are facing 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 essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.

To take the first step towards safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Audrain County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Audrain County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in Audrain County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.