Order of Protection Lawyer Lewis County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert Lewis 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 effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to abstain from 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim 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 occur 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 Lewis County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Lewis County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lewis County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 employing threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 intentionally engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger 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 method or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lewis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Lewis County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lewis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lewis County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lewis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights during the Lewis County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Lewis County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 detail your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lewis County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Lewis County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Lewis County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lewis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Lewis County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Lewis County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
