Order of Protection Lawyer Columbia, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Columbia, 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Columbia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free 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 …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, 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 take place 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 Columbia, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Columbia, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Columbia, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Columbia, 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Columbia, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Columbia, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Columbia, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Columbia and Missouri order of protection law. As your Columbia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Columbia, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story shared 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 at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Columbia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, 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 Columbia, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights during the Columbia, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Columbia, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps following 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 drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Columbia, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially 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, such as 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 facing an order of protection may be prohibited 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 placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Columbia, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Columbia, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Columbia, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Columbia, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Columbia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Columbia, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
