Washington, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Washington, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Washington, 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 highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Washington, 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.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be dealing with dangers, 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 abstain 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 family member 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 they person they say is a risk. 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 Washington, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Washington, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Washington, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Washington, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two chief 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause 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

Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Washington, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.

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

When you are facing an order of protection in Washington, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Washington and Missouri order of protection law. As your Washington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Washington, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate 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 develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Washington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you need 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 Washington, 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 carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified 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 relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

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

The Legal Process

Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:

Filing a response — Your attorney will aid 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. Attend all scheduled court appearances 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 comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

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

Facing an order of protection can cause a range of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Washington, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.

Other cases we take on in Washington, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Washington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now

In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Washington, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Washington, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Washington, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.