Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Franklin County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Franklin County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert Franklin County, 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 highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Franklin County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as 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 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 “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Franklin County, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Franklin County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Franklin County, MO, contact 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 resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Franklin County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device

Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Franklin County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.

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

Should you be facing an order of protection in Franklin County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Franklin County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Franklin County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Franklin County, MO. All of our clients are entitled 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 suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor 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 Franklin County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you require during this tough time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

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

Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to building a solid 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 actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights through the Franklin County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Franklin County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

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

Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee 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 Franklin County, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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, like restrictions 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, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden 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 foreign national, 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 seriousness of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Franklin County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

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

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Franklin County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now

In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.

To begin the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Franklin County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Franklin County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Franklin County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.