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Kansas City, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Kansas City, MO

If you were hit with a restraining order in Kansas City, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. 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 Kansas City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to protect people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 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 their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Kansas City, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Kansas City, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Kansas City, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Kansas City, MO

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

  1. 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 causing physical harm
    • Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
    • Harassment, or engaging 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
  2. Stalking Stalking implies intentionally 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device

Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Kansas City, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Kansas City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

When you are facing an order of protection in Kansas City, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Kansas City and Missouri order of protection law. As your Kansas City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

  • Proven successes Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Kansas City, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
  • Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
  • Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over 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 ignored and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
  • Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
  • Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work 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 Kansas City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

Whenever served with an order of protection in Kansas City, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:

  • Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
  • Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
  • Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
  • Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
  • Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a solid defense.
  • Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights through the Kansas City, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Kansas City, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:

  • Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your legal strategy.
  • Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
    • Presentation of evidence
    • Witness testimony
    • Cross-examination
    • Legal arguments
    • Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Kansas City, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:

  • Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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 — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
  • Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms under 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. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.

Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Kansas City, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.

Other cases we take on in Kansas City, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Kansas City, 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 highly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal 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 begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Kansas City, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Kansas City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.

Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in Kansas City, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.

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