Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Montgomery County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Montgomery County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Montgomery 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Montgomery County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online 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 crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels 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 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 provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim 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 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 Montgomery County, MO judge thinks you are.

At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Montgomery County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Montgomery 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 outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Montgomery County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 leveraging threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately participating 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device

Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Montgomery County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.

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

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

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Montgomery County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team is made up 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 suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Montgomery County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, getting the support and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

When served with an order of protection in Montgomery County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help protect your rights throughout the Montgomery County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Montgomery County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

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

Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your legal strategy.
Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Montgomery County, MO, Missouri

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

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
Criminal charges — Violating 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 forbidden from having 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Montgomery County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.

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

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

If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Montgomery County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Montgomery County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in Montgomery County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.