Order of Protection Lawyer Clark County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Clark County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clark County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Legal Videos
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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 …
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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 known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to refrain from 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. 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 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 Clark County, 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 Clark County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Clark County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Clark County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Clark County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Clark County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Clark County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Clark County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Clark County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Clark County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Clark County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Clark 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’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Clark County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Clark County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Clark County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a range of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing 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 issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Clark County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring 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 representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Clark County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Clark County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Clark County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clark County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, offering resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Clark County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
