Linn County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Linn County, MO

If you received a restraining order in Linn County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Linn County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 known as a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective 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 their alleged abuser. 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 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 Linn County, MO judge thinks you are.

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

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Linn County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary 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 compel a person to comply
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally engaging 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device

Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Linn County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.

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

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

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Linn County, 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 experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Linn County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you deserve throughout this tough time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

If served with an order of protection in Linn County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as 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 entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights through the Linn County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Linn County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.

The Legal Process

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

Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

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

Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent under 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 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. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.

Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Linn County, MO and is focused on lessening 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 – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.

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

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

In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule 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 obtain insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Linn County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Linn County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Linn County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.