Columbia, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Columbia, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated 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 established 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 Columbia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 vital legal measure designed to safeguard people 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 alleged perpetrator to abstain from any form of contact with the petitioner.

Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.

If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim 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 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.

It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Columbia, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Columbia, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Columbia, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device

Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Columbia, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately 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 need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Columbia and Missouri order of protection law. As your Columbia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Columbia, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Columbia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you need throughout this tough 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 vital 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. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights throughout 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

Upon taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:

Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your legal strategy.
Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged 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 Columbia, MO, Missouri

Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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, like limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 alien, 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 need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Columbia, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative 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 dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential 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 begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Columbia, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Columbia, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Columbia, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.