Order of Protection Lawyer Carrollton, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Carrollton, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Carrollton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary 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 crucial legal tool designed to protect people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders 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 order of protection 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 they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Carrollton, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Carrollton, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Carrollton, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Carrollton, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two chief 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully engaging 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Carrollton, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Carrollton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Carrollton, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Carrollton and Missouri order of protection law. As your Carrollton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Carrollton, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Carrollton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you need during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Carrollton, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including 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, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist protect your rights throughout the Carrollton, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Carrollton, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help 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 make sure your voice is heard 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Carrollton, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of notable 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, particularly 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 restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing 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 owning 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Carrollton, MO and is committed to 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. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Carrollton, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Carrollton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Carrollton, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Carrollton, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Carrollton, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
