Platte City, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Platte City, MO

If you received a restraining order in Platte City, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Platte City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary 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 critical legal tool designed to safeguard individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. 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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative 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 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 Platte City, MO judge thinks you are.

At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Platte City, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Platte City, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Platte City, 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking means intentionally undertaking 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device

In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Platte City, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Platte City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

Should you be facing an order of protection in Platte City, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Platte City and Missouri order of protection law. As your Platte City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Platte City, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer 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 fortify 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 offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Platte City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you deserve amidst this difficult time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

When served with an order of protection in Platte City, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

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

The Legal Process

After taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:

Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Platte City, MO, Missouri

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

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms as per 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Given the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Platte City, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

Other cases we take on in Platte City, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Platte City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today

In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.

To take the preliminary step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Platte City, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Platte City, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Platte City, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.