Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Jefferson County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Jefferson County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Jefferson 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 impressive 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 Jefferson County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.

If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can issue 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Jefferson County, 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 outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Jefferson County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking means purposefully participating 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device

In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.

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

Should you be facing an order of protection in Jefferson County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Jefferson County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Jefferson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Jefferson County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
Negotiation — Our talented 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 Jefferson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you need 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 Jefferson County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights through the Jefferson County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Jefferson County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:

Filing a response — Your attorney will help 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 associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

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

Confronting an order of protection can cause a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from having 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Jefferson County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

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

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Jefferson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today

In the event that you are dealing 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 crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the first step in the direction of securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Jefferson County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Jefferson County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.