Order of Protection Lawyer Boone County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Boone County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Boone County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Legal Videos
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. 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 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 Boone 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 Boone County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Boone County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Boone County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating 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 implies deliberately participating in 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Boone County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Boone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Boone County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Boone County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Boone County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Boone County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Boone County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you need 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 Boone County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- 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 creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights throughout the Boone County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Boone County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt 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 help you in preparing 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Boone County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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 limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and possible 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 is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection imposed 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 need knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Boone County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Boone County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Boone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Boone County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Boone County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Boone County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
