Order of Protection Lawyer Cass County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Cass County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. 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 Cass 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 …
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from 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 restraining 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 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 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 Cass County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Cass County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Cass County, MO, contact 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 Cass County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- 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 participating 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cass County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Cass County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Cass County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Cass County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Cass County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cass County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Cass County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Cass County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee 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 — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist protect your rights during the Cass County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Cass County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps after 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 depict your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to 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 includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Cass County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting 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, 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 lead to criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms according to 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Cass County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Cass County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cass County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Cass County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cass County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in Cass County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
