Clinton County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Clinton County, MO

If you were served with a restraining order in Clinton 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 tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clinton County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member 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 petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Clinton County, MO judge thinks you are.

At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Clinton County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Clinton County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Clinton County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part 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 deliberately engaging in 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 means or device

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

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

When you are facing an order of protection in Clinton County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Clinton County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Clinton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Clinton County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.

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

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

If served with an order of protection in Clinton County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like arrest.
Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a strong defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.

Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist protect your rights through the Clinton County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Clinton County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

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

Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

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

Encountering 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 mandated restriction on reaching out to 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, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 affected by a valid full order of protection.
Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.

Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Clinton County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.

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

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

In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.

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

At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Clinton County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.