Order of Protection Lawyer Caldwell County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert Caldwell 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 Caldwell County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out 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 called a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to avoid 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 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 alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Caldwell County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Caldwell County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Caldwell 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 obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Caldwell County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two chief 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 employing threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking 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
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Caldwell County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Caldwell County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Caldwell County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Caldwell County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Caldwell County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Caldwell 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 deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Caldwell County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you deserve during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Caldwell County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights through the Caldwell County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Caldwell County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once 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 help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Caldwell County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms under 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. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Caldwell County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for 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 Caldwell County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Caldwell County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Caldwell County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Caldwell County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, providing steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Caldwell County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
