Order of Protection Lawyer Clinton County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Clinton County, 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clinton County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free 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 essential legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels 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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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 take place 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 Clinton County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Clinton County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Clinton County, MO, get in touch with 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 resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Clinton County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating 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 act in a certain way
- 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 means deliberately undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Clinton County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Clinton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Clinton County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Clinton County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Clinton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Clinton County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get 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 each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Clinton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you need amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Clinton County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously 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, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights during the Clinton County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Clinton County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Clinton County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a range of significant consequences that go 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 have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms according to 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Clinton County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Clinton County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Clinton 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 guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Clinton County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clinton County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Clinton County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
