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 50 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.
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 restricted from communicating with certain people
Order of Protection Defense Lawyers in Lathrop, MO: Who Can Apply?
If you’ve been served with an order of protection in or around Lathrop, MO, it’s important to know who has the right to file. According to RSMo. § 455.010, only certain individuals can request these court orders, including:
- Household members
- Family members
- Individuals claiming to be victims of sexual abuse
- Alleged victims of stalking
- The parents of a minor child suffering physical harm at the hands of a family or household 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: Facing False or Exaggerated Claims? We Fight Back
In Lathrop, MO, orders of protection can sometimes be based on misleading, exaggerated, or completely false allegations—especially during divorces, custody disputes, or personal conflicts. If you’re facing an unfair order, you need an aggressive legal defense to uncover the truth and protect your future. At Combs Waterkotte, our Lathrop, MO order of protection defense lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience and have successfully defended more than 10,000 cases in Lathrop, MO and across Missouri. Don’t let false accusations define your future—fight back today.
Order of Protection Defense Lawyers in Lathrop, MO: Understanding the Common Requirements of an Order
While every order of protection in Lathrop, MO is unique, most include several common requirements, such as:
- No Contact: Prohibits direct or indirect communication with the protected party or their family.
- Limited Contact Exceptions: Allows interaction only under court-approved circumstances, like child custody exchanges or retrieving specific belongings.
- Stay Away Requirement: Requires you to maintain a set distance—often 100 yards—from the protected individual’s 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 Restriction: Forbids gun possession and may require surrendering any owned firearms.
- 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.
If you partner with the Combs Waterkotte order of protection defense lawyers in or around Lathrop, MO, you aren’t just selecting the leading defense team in and around Lathrop, MO – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced order of protection defense lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Lathrop, MO residents:
Order of Protection Defense Lawyers in Lathrop, MO: What to Do If You’ve Been Served
If you’ve been served with legal documents by a process server or authority in Lathrop, MO, here’s what you need to do:
- Review the Papers Carefully: Understand the accusations, court dates, and required actions.
- Know the Allegations: Understand the specific claims—and the risks if you don’t respond properly in Lathrop, MO.
- Contact a Lawyer Immediately: The sooner you contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte order of protection defense lawyer in Lathrop, MO, the better your chances of protecting your rights and freedom.
- Gather and 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: Collaborate with your defense attorney to develop a strategy and prepare the necessary legal response.
- File All Required Documents: Make sure all paperwork is submitted accurately and on time, with your attorney’s help.
- Attend All Hearings: Your presence is essential, and your order of protection defense lawyer will handle the legal arguments and cross examinations.
- 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
Why choose Combs Waterkotte for help in Lathrop, MO? Our knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyers know how to challenge orders of protection and build a compelling case in your favor. We will:
- Break Down the Accusations — We use our broad investigative tools to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and uncover the facts to challenge unfounded claims.
- Protect Your Rights in the Courtroom — Our attorneys present a strong defense to prevent or overturn an unjust protection order in Lathrop, MO.
- Restore Stability in Your Life — 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 breaking an order in Lathrop, MO, we take immediate steps to challenge the claim and shield you from criminal consequences.
Protect Your Rights & Reputation With the Combs Waterkotte Lathrop, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyers
Remember: Orders of protection don’t simply go away. They move fast—often with little time to prepare. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Our Lathrop, MO order of protection defense lawyers are ready to act quickly, protect your rights, and defend your name.
Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, no-obligation case review with an expert defense attorney in Lathrop, MO. Let’s get to work on building your defense and taking control of your future.
