Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Lexington, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Lexington, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Lexington, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established 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 Lexington, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused 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 family member or household member.

If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks 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 a hearing. 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 Lexington, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Lexington, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lexington, 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 obtain the best possible resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lexington, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part 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 means purposefully participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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 means or device

In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lexington, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Lexington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

Should you be facing an order of protection in Lexington, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Lexington and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lexington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lexington, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with deep 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 provide an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lexington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the support and advocacy you deserve amidst this difficult time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

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

Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept 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 specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights during the Lexington, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Lexington, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial 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 transpire:

Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events 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 ensure 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lexington, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can cause a spectrum of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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, including limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from having firearms according to 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 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.

Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Lexington, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

Other cases we take on in Lexington, MO include:

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

If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Lexington, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lexington, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Lexington, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.