Washington County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Washington County, MO

If you received a restraining order in Washington County, MO you need a knowledgeable 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 legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Washington County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to refrain from 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 order of protection 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 provide 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Washington County, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Washington County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Washington County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Washington County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device

In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Washington County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Washington County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing an order of protection in Washington County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Washington County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Washington County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Washington County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Washington County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you need during this tough time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

Whenever served with an order of protection in Washington County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:

Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, including arrest.
Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.

Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and aid defend your rights during the Washington County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Washington County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

Upon taking immediate steps following 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Washington County, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
Criminal charges — Infringing 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 forbidden from possessing firearms under federal law.
Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection placed 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 knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Washington County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.

Other cases we take on in Washington County, MO include:

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

In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Washington County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Washington County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Washington County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.