Howard County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Howard County, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s expert Howard 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howard County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator 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 relative or household member.

If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. 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 take place 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 Howard County, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Howard County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Howard County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Howard County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.

Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel 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 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device

Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Howard County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.

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

When you are facing an order of protection in Howard County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Howard County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Howard County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Howard County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Howard County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you require amidst this difficult time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

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

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, 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 — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights throughout the Howard County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Howard County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead 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 aid you in drafting 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. Attend 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Howard County, MO, Missouri

Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that extend 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 be with.
Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from having firearms under 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 placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Howard County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

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

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Howard County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation

In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Howard County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howard County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.

Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Howard County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.