Order of Protection Lawyer Holts Summit, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert Holts Summit, 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 highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Holts Summit, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free 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 …
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain from 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 protective 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 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Holts Summit, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Holts Summit, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Holts Summit, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Holts Summit, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Holts Summit, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Holts Summit, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Holts Summit, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Holts Summit and Missouri order of protection law. As your Holts Summit, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Holts Summit, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right 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 leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored 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 formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept 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 Holts Summit, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you deserve during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Holts Summit, 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. Understand 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 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 — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Holts Summit, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Holts Summit, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Holts Summit, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited 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 placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Holts Summit, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Holts Summit, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Holts Summit, 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 arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Holts Summit, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Holts Summit, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Holts Summit, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
