Order of Protection Lawyer Carroll County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Carroll 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 established 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 Carroll County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online 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 …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to protect people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to abstain from 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Carroll 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 Carroll County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Carroll County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Carroll 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Carroll County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Carroll County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Carroll County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Carroll County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Carroll County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Carroll County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with thorough 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 assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Carroll County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Carroll County, MO, it is vital 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 received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights through the Carroll County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Carroll County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift 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 aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail 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. Attend all scheduled court appearances 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Carroll County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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 associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing 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 issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Carroll County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Carroll County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Carroll County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Carroll County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Carroll County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Carroll County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
