Order of Protection Lawyer Shelby County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Shelby County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Shelby County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Legal Videos
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Shelby County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Shelby County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Shelby County, MO, get in touch with 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 Shelby County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Shelby County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Shelby County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Shelby County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Shelby County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving vital 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 offer resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Shelby County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you require throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Shelby County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- 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 accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by 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 lead to serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights through the Shelby County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Shelby County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings 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 includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Shelby County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms under 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Shelby County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Shelby County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Shelby County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Shelby County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Shelby County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Shelby County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
