Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Monroe County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Monroe County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert Monroe 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 legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Monroe County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to protect people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.

If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can issue 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 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Monroe County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Monroe County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two chief 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 placing 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 taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining 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 means or device

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

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

Should you be facing an order of protection in Monroe County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Monroe County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Monroe County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Monroe 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 tap into this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
Negotiation — Our talented 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 Monroe County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you need 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 Monroe County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure 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 outlined 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 communication, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights during the Monroe County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Monroe County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

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

Filing a response — Your attorney will aid 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

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

Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms according to 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Monroe County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.

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

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

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

To begin the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Monroe County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Monroe County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Monroe County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.