Order of Protection Lawyer California, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in California, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive 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 California, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-cost 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 …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal tool designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
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 they person they say abused them. 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 happen 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 California, 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 California, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in California, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in California, 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:
- Harming 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 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 engaging 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in California, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your California, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in California, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in California and Missouri order of protection law. As your California, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in California, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented 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 tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated California, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in California, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the California, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s California, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift 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 associated with your case. Participate in 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 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 California, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed 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 spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible 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 under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in California, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting 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 representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in California, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s California, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in California, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in California, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in California, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
