Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Sedalia, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Sedalia, MO. If you received a restraining order in Sedalia, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Sedalia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the petitioner.

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 someone who lives with them.

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 their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Sedalia, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Sedalia, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Sedalia, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Sedalia, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully engaging 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 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 Sedalia, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Sedalia, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing an order of protection in Sedalia, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Sedalia and Missouri order of protection law. As your Sedalia, 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 facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Sedalia, MO. Each and every 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 tap into this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Sedalia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you need during this tough time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

When served with an order of protection in Sedalia, MO, it is imperative 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 received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, including arrest.
Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.

Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid protect your rights through the Sedalia, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Sedalia, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.

The Legal Process

Once taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:

Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Sedalia, MO, Missouri

Facing an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that reach 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 have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Sedalia, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.

Other cases we take on in Sedalia, MO include:

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

In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.

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

With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, providing resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Sedalia, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.