Order of Protection Lawyer Harrisonville, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert Harrisonville, 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 legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrisonville, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost 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 essential legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to avoid 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 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 they person they say is a risk. 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 Harrisonville, 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 Harrisonville, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Harrisonville, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Harrisonville, 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking 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
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrisonville, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Harrisonville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Harrisonville, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Harrisonville and Missouri order of protection law. As your Harrisonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Harrisonville, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Harrisonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you deserve throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Harrisonville, 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’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like 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 entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights during the Harrisonville, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Harrisonville, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- 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 tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Harrisonville, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to 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, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Harrisonville, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Harrisonville, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Harrisonville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Harrisonville, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrisonville, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Harrisonville, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
