Laclede County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Laclede County, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Laclede 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be facing dangers, 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 refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.

Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of 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 compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Laclede County, MO judge thinks you are.

It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Laclede County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Laclede County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Laclede County, MO

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

Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or placing 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device

In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.

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

When you are facing an order of protection in Laclede County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Laclede County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Laclede County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Laclede County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Laclede County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you need throughout this difficult time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

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

Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant 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 includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.

Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights throughout the Laclede County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Laclede County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:

Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

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

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

Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms under 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 placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.

Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Laclede County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.

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

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

If you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.

To take the preliminary step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Laclede County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Laclede County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.