Macon County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Macon County, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s expert Macon 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 highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to abstain 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.

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 occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Macon County, MO judge thinks you are.

At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Macon County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Macon County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Macon County, MO

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

Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging in 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device

In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.

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

If you’re facing an order of protection in Macon County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Macon County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Macon County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Macon County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth 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 provide an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Macon County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you require throughout this difficult time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

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

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. 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 long-term best interest.
Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, like arrest.
Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Macon County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Macon County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:

Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Macon County, MO, Missouri

Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms as per 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. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Macon County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.

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

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

If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.

To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Macon County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.

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