Order of Protection Lawyer Pulaski County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Pulaski 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 impressive 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 Pulaski County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused 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 relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t happen within 15 days, the order of 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 Pulaski County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Pulaski County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Pulaski County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Pulaski County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Harming 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 follow a specific action
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Pulaski County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Pulaski County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Pulaski County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Pulaski County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Pulaski County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Pulaski County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story shared 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 tap into this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Pulaski County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, getting the help and advocacy you need throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Pulaski County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend 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 long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong 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 establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Pulaski County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Pulaski County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Pulaski County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in 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, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms as per 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 issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Pulaski County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Pulaski County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Pulaski County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Pulaski County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Pulaski County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in Pulaski County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
