Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Marion County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Marion County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Marion County, MO you need a skilled 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 defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Marion County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders 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 threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to refrain from 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 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 is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Marion County, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Marion County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Marion 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 resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Marion County, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating 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 means deliberately engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device

Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Marion County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.

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

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

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Marion County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Marion County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you require during this challenging time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

Whenever served with an order of protection in Marion County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee 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 mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This record can serve as essential 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 vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building a strong defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights during the Marion County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Marion County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.

The Legal Process

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

Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your defense strategy.
Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

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

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

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms under 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Marion County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

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

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

If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.

To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Marion County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Marion County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, providing steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Marion County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.