WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM SERVED WITH AN EX PARTE ORDER IN MISSOURI?

Being served with an ex parte order of protection in Missouri can be shocking, confusing, and even frightening. Whether the allegations are exaggerated, false, or misunderstood, the consequences of doing nothing — or doing the wrong thing — can be severe. An ex parte order is a court-issued temporary restraining order that can significantly affect your freedom, your access to your home, your ability to see your children, and even your job.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced Missouri criminal defense and protection order attorneys are here to help. If you’ve been served with an ex parte order in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, we can help you begin building your defense.

WHAT IS AN EX PARTE ORDER IN MISSOURI

An ex parte order of protection is a temporary court order issued without your presence or knowledge. It is typically based on the sworn petition of someone (called the “petitioner”) who claims to be a victim of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or harassment.

Because the court issues the order based only on the petitioner’s side of the story, you won’t have a chance to defend yourself until a full hearing is held, usually within 15 days.

Even though it is temporary, violating an ex parte order is a criminal offense in Missouri. That’s why it’s crucial to understand your rights and obligations immediately after being served.

Step 1: Do Not Contact the Petitioner: Even if you believe the ex parte order is unfair or based on false claims, do not try to contact the person who filed it. This includes:

• Calling or texting
• Messaging on social media
• Asking friends or family to reach out on your behalf
• Visiting them in person

Doing so can result in criminal charges for violating a protection order. Even accidental or indirect contact may be interpreted as a violation, so it’s best to avoid any communication whatsoever.

Step 2: Read the Order Carefully: The ex parte order will include specific restrictions, such as:

• Prohibiting you from going near the petitioner’s home, work, or school
• Forbidding any form of contact (even through a third party)
• Removing you from your shared residence (even if you are on the lease or mortgage)
• Temporarily suspending child visitation

Carefully review the terms so you don’t unintentionally violate the order. Violations can lead to arrest, jail time, and a negative impression in court during your hearing.

Step 3: Contact a Missouri Protection Order Defense Lawyer: The next — and most important step is to speak with a Kansas City criminal defense attorney who has experience handling orders of protection. Time is limited, and the hearing on whether the ex parte order will become a full order of protection (lasting up to one year) is usually set within two weeks.

A skilled attorney can help you:

• Understand what’s at stake
• Prepare a strong defense for your hearing
• Gather witnesses, messages, or evidence that support your case
• Challenge false or exaggerated allegations
• Fight to preserve your parental rights, housing, and reputation

Step 4: Attend the Full Hearing and Defend Yourself: At the hearing, both you and the petitioner will have the chance to present your case. This is your opportunity to tell your side of the story, but you shouldn’t do it alone. An experienced Missouri ex parte order attorney will protect your rights and present a persuasive defense to the judge.

If you don’t attend the hearing, the court will likely issue a full order of protection against you by default. That order can last for a year (or longer) and may seriously impact your future.

FACING EX PARTE? CALL KC DEFENSE COUNSEL AND START FIGHTING BACK

If you’ve been served with an ex parte order in Missouri, don’t wait and don’t go it alone. The consequences are too serious, and the window to respond is short. At KC Defense Counsel, we’ve successfully defended clients against orders of protection and helped them move forward with their lives.

Call us today for a free case evaluation. Let us fight for your rights, your reputation, and your future.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers in Missouri can be of assistance.