Order of Protection Lawyer Warren County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Warren County, MO you need an experienced 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Warren County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Legal Videos
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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 …
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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 called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 restraining 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 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 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 Warren County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Warren County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Warren County, 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 Warren County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating 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 implies purposefully 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 medium or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Warren County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Warren County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Warren County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Warren County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Warren County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Warren County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran 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 offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor 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 Warren County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Warren County, MO, it is vital 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’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by 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 result in grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and aid defend your rights through the Warren County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Warren County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Warren County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common 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 spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 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.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Warren County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing 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 Warren County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Warren County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Warren County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Warren County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Warren County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
