Audrain County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Audrain County, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s expert Audrain 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Audrain County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 protective order 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 petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs 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.

It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Audrain County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Audrain County, MO, get in touch with 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 resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Audrain County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to comply
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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” such as 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 Audrain County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.

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

Should you be facing an order of protection in Audrain County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed 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 maintains a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Audrain County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work 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 Audrain County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require throughout this difficult time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

If served with an order of protection in Audrain County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, 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 — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating 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 avoid further legal complications.

Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights through the Audrain County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Audrain County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:

Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including 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 cause a variety of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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, like limitations 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 possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from possessing 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Audrain County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating 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 champion 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 dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.

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

With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Audrain County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.