Eureka, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Eureka, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s expert Eureka, 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 effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Eureka, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary 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 ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. 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 family member or someone who lives with them.

If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 occur 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 Eureka, MO judge thinks you are.

At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Eureka, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Eureka, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Eureka, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two chief instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.

Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking means 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

Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Eureka, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Eureka, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing an order of protection in Eureka, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Eureka and Missouri order of protection law. As your Eureka, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Eureka, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate 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 collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Eureka, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you deserve 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 Eureka, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights through the Eureka, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Eureka, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

Upon taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:

Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your defense strategy.
Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Eureka, MO, Missouri

Encountering an order of protection can result in a spectrum of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms as per 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Eureka, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.

Other cases we take on in Eureka, MO include:

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

In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.

To take the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Eureka, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Eureka, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Eureka, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.