Order of Protection Lawyer Columbia, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Columbia, 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 defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Columbia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide 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 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 Columbia, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Columbia, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Columbia, 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 achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Columbia, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Columbia, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Columbia, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Columbia, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Columbia and Missouri order of protection law. As your Columbia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Columbia, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with thorough 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 offer an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Columbia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Columbia, 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. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights throughout the Columbia, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Columbia, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to 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 consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Columbia, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms under federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Columbia, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Columbia, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Columbia, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Columbia, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Columbia, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Columbia, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
