Order of Protection Lawyer Howard County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Howard County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howard County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Howard County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Howard County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Howard County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Howard 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing 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
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Howard County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Howard County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Howard County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Howard County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Howard County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Howard County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned 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 extend an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Howard County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require 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 Howard County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and assist protect your rights throughout the Howard County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Howard County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Howard County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms under 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Howard County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Howard County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Howard County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Howard County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howard County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Howard County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
