Cass County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Cass County, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s expert Cass 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense 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 contact us online for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to safeguard people who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as 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 has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection 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 their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Cass County, MO judge thinks you are.

At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Cass County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Cass County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Cass County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device

In these intricate and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cass County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ 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 require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient 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 consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cass County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with in-depth 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 extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
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 Cass County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, receiving the support and advocacy you need amidst this challenging 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 imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights through the Cass County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Cass County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.

The Legal Process

Once taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:

Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
Court dates — Stay informed of 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 hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Cass County, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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, including constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from having firearms according to 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. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Cass County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

Other cases we take on in Cass County, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cass County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation

In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.

To take the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring 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 through our website for a no-obligation consultation.

Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Cass County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.