Lincoln County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Lincoln County, MO

If you received a restraining order in Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.

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 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 Lincoln County, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Lincoln County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Lincoln County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lincoln County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, 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 method or device

Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lincoln County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.

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

If you’re facing an order of protection in Lincoln County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Lincoln County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lincoln County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lincoln County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned 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 extend an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We deliver 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, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lincoln County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, getting the support and advocacy you require 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 Lincoln 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 thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights during the Lincoln County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Lincoln County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

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

Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your legal strategy.
Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at 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 version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

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

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

Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting 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 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 cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms according to federal law.
Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Lincoln County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

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

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

In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.

To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Lincoln County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lincoln County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Lincoln County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.