Order of Protection Lawyer Callaway County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Callaway County, 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 highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Callaway County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
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What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to safeguard people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to avoid any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of 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 evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 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 Callaway County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Callaway County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Callaway County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Callaway 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause 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
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Callaway County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Callaway County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Callaway County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Callaway County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Callaway County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Callaway County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored 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 each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Callaway County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Callaway County, MO, it is crucial 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 make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing 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 result in severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid defend your rights during the Callaway County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Callaway County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in 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 version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Callaway County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms under federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Callaway County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Callaway County, MO include:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Callaway County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Callaway County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Callaway County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Callaway County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.

