Morgan County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Morgan County, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Morgan 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Morgan County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Morgan County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Morgan County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking means intentionally 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 means or device

Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Morgan County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.

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

If you’re facing an order of protection in Morgan County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Morgan County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Morgan County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Morgan County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Morgan County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require during this challenging time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

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

Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights during the Morgan County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Morgan County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.

The Legal Process

Upon taking immediate steps post 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 outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

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

Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with 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, 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, like arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing 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 issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.

Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Morgan County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.

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

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

In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.

To begin the first step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Morgan County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Morgan County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Morgan County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.