Rock Port, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Rock Port, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s professional Rock Port, 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 Rock Port, 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.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.

If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued 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 Rock Port, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Rock Port, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Rock Port, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Rock Port, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- 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 implies intentionally engaging in 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device

In these intricate and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Rock Port, 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 Rock Port, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing an order of protection in Rock Port, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Rock Port and Missouri order of protection law. As your Rock Port, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Rock Port, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with thorough 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 offer an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored 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 talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Rock Port, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you require throughout this challenging time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

If served with an order of protection in Rock Port, 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 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, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, including arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, 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 pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights through the Rock Port, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Rock Port, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.

The Legal Process

Once taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:

Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story 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 hearings with your attorney to make sure 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 Rock Port, MO, Missouri

Facing an order of protection can cause a range of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, including 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, like arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms as per 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Rock Port, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.

Other cases we take on in Rock Port, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Rock Port, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today

If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.

To begin the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Rock Port, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Rock Port, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, providing resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Rock Port, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.