Order of Protection Lawyer Hillsboro, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Hillsboro, 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Hillsboro, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary 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 vital legal measure designed to protect people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order is issued 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 Hillsboro, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Hillsboro, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Hillsboro, 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 resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Hillsboro, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining 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 advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Hillsboro, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Hillsboro, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Hillsboro, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Hillsboro and Missouri order of protection law. As your Hillsboro, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Hillsboro, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Hillsboro, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Hillsboro, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Hillsboro, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Hillsboro, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- 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 the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Hillsboro, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including 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 affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Hillsboro, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Hillsboro, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Hillsboro, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey 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 Hillsboro, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Hillsboro, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Hillsboro, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
