Clay County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Clay County, MO

If you received a restraining order in Clay County, MO you need a skilled 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 defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clay County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.

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 they person they say is a risk. 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 Clay 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 Clay County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Clay County, MO, contact 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 Clay County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main 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 employing threats to force a person to comply
- Harassment, or taking part 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 cause fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device

Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Clay County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Clay County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

Should you be facing an order of protection in Clay County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Clay County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Clay County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Clay County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced 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 free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Clay County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require throughout this challenging time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

If served with an order of protection in Clay County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like arrest.
Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend 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 led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a strong defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights through the Clay County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Clay County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:

Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Clay County, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The primary 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing 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 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 result in immigration-related issues.

Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Clay County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

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

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Clay County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today

If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the first step towards ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Clay County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clay County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Clay County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.