Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Osage County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Osage County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Osage 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Osage County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.

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 evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, 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 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 Osage County, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Osage County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Osage County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Osage 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to comply
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking means purposefully participating 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device

Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Osage County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.

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

When you are facing an order of protection in Osage County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Osage County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Osage County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Osage County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees 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 helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.

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

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

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

Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and aid safeguard your rights through the Osage County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Osage County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide 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 help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story 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 guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Osage County, MO, Missouri

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

Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing 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 affected by 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.

Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Osage County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

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

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

In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.

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

At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Osage County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.