Order of Protection Lawyer Forsyth, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Forsyth, 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 Forsyth, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at 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 vital legal tool designed to protect people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from 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 family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Forsyth, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Forsyth, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Forsyth, 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 Forsyth, 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging in 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 means or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Forsyth, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Forsyth, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Forsyth, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Forsyth and Missouri order of protection law. As your Forsyth, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Forsyth, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Forsyth, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Forsyth, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights through the Forsyth, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Forsyth, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances 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 consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Forsyth, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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 result in criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from possessing 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Forsyth, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Forsyth, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Forsyth, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Forsyth, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Forsyth, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Forsyth, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
