Order of Protection Lawyer Howell County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Howell County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howell County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 crucial legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Howell County, 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 Howell County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Howell County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Howell 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Howell County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Howell County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Howell County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Howell County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Howell County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Howell County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Howell County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, receiving the support and advocacy you need 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 Howell County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding 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 specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough 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 — Promptly, contact a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent 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 entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights through the Howell County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Howell County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide 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 help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in 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 consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Howell County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from having 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Howell County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Howell County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Howell County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Howell County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howell County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Howell County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
