Order of Protection Lawyer Newton County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Newton County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Newton 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.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from 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 compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim 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 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 Newton County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Newton County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Newton 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 secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Newton County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging 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 participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Newton County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Newton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Newton County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Newton County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Newton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Newton County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Newton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you need amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Newton 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 meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining 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 led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights during the Newton County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Newton County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Newton County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like 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, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from owning 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 issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Newton County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Newton County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Newton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Newton County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Newton County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Newton County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
