Order of Protection Defense Lawyers in Lathrop, MO. An order of protection can turn your life upside down—limiting your rights, damaging your reputation, and even affecting your job or family. If you’ve been served in Lathrop, MO, you need an aggressive and experienced order of protection lawyer to stand up for you.
Misunderstandings occur and mistakes happen. We get it. That’s precisely why we defend good people that somehow find themselves in bad situations. You’re not alone. Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our expert order of protection defense lawyers in Lathrop, MO who can provide legal guidance and advice on next steps.
Article Summary
Have you been served with an order of protection in or around Lathrop, MO? Time is critical—turn to the trusted legal team at Combs Waterkotte for immediate support. Our seasoned Lathrop, MO order of protection lawyers represent individuals throughout the Lathrop area and surrounding counties who are facing accusations of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or abuse. We help defend your rights and fight to preserve your freedom, reputation, and family relationships. Whether you’re dealing with a temporary ex parte order or a full order of protection, our experienced Lathrop, MO attorneys act quickly and decisively to protect your interests. With more than 60 years of combined legal experience and a proven track record of success, Combs Waterkotte is the firm Lathrop, MO residents rely on for powerful criminal defense.
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What is an Order of Protection in Lathrop, MO?
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 455.032, an order of protection is a legal document that can limit your ability to contact another person, visit certain places, or even possess firearms. Unlike a restraining order, an order of protection carries criminal penalties for violation. In Lathrop, MO and throughout Missouri, these orders are often granted in cases involving alleged domestic violence, harassment, stalking, destruction of property, or abuse—sometimes even without solid evidence.
There are two types of orders of protection:
Ex Parte Order of Protection in Lathrop, MO
Also known as a temporary order of protection, an ex parte order is issued when your accuser is in imminent fear of present danger, violence or physical harm. After receiving an ex parte order, which lasts up to 15 days, you must attend a court hearing where the judge will determine whether a permanent order of protection is warranted. Combs Waterkotte is here to help. Call our skilled and aggressive order of protection defense lawyers in Lathrop, MO at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Full Order of Protection in Lathrop, MO
These last a minimum of 6 months and can be for a longer period of time, up to 1 year, depending on the circumstances. A full order of protection can only be issued following a hearing and typically replaces an ex parte order. Either order can be suspended by a judge.
If the judge grants a temporary or full order of protection in Lathrop, MO, you could:
- Be forced to leave your home, even if you own it
- Lose custody or visitational rights
- Subject to criminal charges for any violation
- Be blocked from communicating with certain individuals, including family
Order of Protection Defense Lawyers in Lathrop, MO: Who Can Apply?
Under Missouri law, RSMo. § 455.010, only the following people can file for an order of protection:
- Household members
- Family members
- Alleged victims of sexual abuse
- Individuals claiming to be victims of stalking
- Parents of a minor child who has been physically harmed by a household or family member
Free book
Telling Your Side of the Story: Contesting an Order of Protection
We specialize in defending individuals served with orders of protection in Missouri. We’ve published this ebook to help you understand the process, build a solid defense, and protect your rights.
Order of Protection Defense Lawyers in Lathrop, MO: Falsely Accused? We Fight Back
Not all orders of protection in Lathrop, MO, are issued fairly. Many arise from false claims, exaggerated accusations, or misunderstandings—often in heated divorces, custody battles, or personal disputes. A court order based on misleading allegations can threaten your reputation, rights, and future. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Lathrop, MO and across Missouri. With 40+ years of combined experience, Lathrop, MO order of protection defense lawyers know how to challenge these claims and prove your side of the story.
Order of Protection Defense Lawyers in Lathrop, MO: What Restrictions Come With an Order?
While every order of protection in Lathrop, MO is unique, most include several common requirements, such as:
- No Contact: Prohibits any form of communication with the protected individual or their family members.
- Limited Contact Exceptions: Allows communication only under certain conditions, such as coordinating child custody exchanges or retrieving personal belongings, as determined by the court.
- Stay Away Requirement: Enforces a mandatory distance—often 100 yards—from the protected individual, their home, workplace, or school.
- Mandatory Relocation: You may be ordered to move out of a shared home—even if your name is on the lease or deed.
- Firearm Restrictions: Prohibits firearm possession and mandates the surrender of any weapons.
- Mandatory Counseling: The court may require you to attend anger management, substance abuse treatment, or other rehabilitative programs.
Understanding these restrictions is crucial to avoiding violations and protecting your legal rights. If you ever have any questions regarding the stipulations of a Lathrop, MO order of protection, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away.
When you hire the Combs Waterkotte order of protection defense lawyers in the Lathrop, MO area, you aren’t just choosing the leading defense team in and around Lathrop, MO – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to experienced order of protection defense attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lathrop and beyond:
Order of Protection Defense Lawyers in Lathrop, MO: Served with an Order? Here’s What You Need to Do NOW
If you’ve received an order of protection in Lathrop, MO, it’s important to act fast and follow the right steps:
- Carefully Read the Documents: Understand the accusations, court dates, and required actions.
- Understand the Allegations: Understand what you’re being accused of and the potential consequences in and around Lathrop, MO.
- Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: A skilled Lathrop, MO order of protection defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte can help you navigate the process and protect your interests.
- Save Evidence: Save all communications, messages, and documents that may be relevant to your case.
- Respond Promptly: Meeting deadlines for legal responses is crucial in shaping the outcome of your case. Do not wait or hesitate.
- Work on Your Defense: Build a defense plan tailored to the circumstances of your case.
- File the Right Court Documents: Ensure all required paperwork is properly completed and submitted with your attorney’s guidance.
- Show Up in Court: Skipping a hearing is never an option. Your lawyer will fight for you in front of the judge.
- Fight the Order If It’s Unfair: You may be able to get the order modified—or thrown out entirely.
Taking immediate action and securing strong legal representation can make all the difference in your case. If you have been served with an order of protection in the Lathrop, MO area, consult with a Combs Waterkotte defense attorney as soon as possible.
What Our Lathrop, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyers Can Do For You
Wondering why so many people choose Combs Waterkotte? Our dedicated order of protection defense lawyers in Lathrop, MO understand the seriousness of these cases and how to strategically defend you. When you work with us, we will:
- Thoroughly Review the Allegations — Using our powerful legal resources, we dig deep for evidence, identify inconsistencies, and expose false or exaggerated claims.
- Protect Your Rights in the Courtroom — Our experienced defense attorneys advocate on your behalf to stop or reverse an unfair order of protection in Lathrop, MO.
- Fight for What Matters Most — From regaining access to your home to protecting your parental rights, we fight to restore what you’ve unfairly lost.
- Defend Against Violations — If you’re accused of violating an order of protection in Lathrop, MO, we work to minimize the consequences and avoid criminal charges.
Stand Up for Your Rights With the Help of Combs Waterkotte Lathrop, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyers
An order of protection can disrupt your life in an instant—but you don’t have to face it alone. Our trusted order of protection defense lawyers in Lathrop, MO are here to move quickly, offer support, and fight to clear your name.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP today for a free consultation with an experienced defense attorney in Lathrop, MO. Together, we’ll build a strategic defense and work to protect your future, freedom, and reputation.
