Order of Protection Lawyer Hannibal, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Hannibal, 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 legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Hannibal, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Hannibal, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Hannibal, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Hannibal, MO, reach out to 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 outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Hannibal, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately participating in 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Hannibal, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Hannibal, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Hannibal, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Hannibal and Missouri order of protection law. As your Hannibal, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Hannibal, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Hannibal, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you require 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 Hannibal, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong 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 immediate steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights during the Hannibal, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Hannibal, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Hannibal, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Hannibal, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing 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 Hannibal, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Hannibal, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Hannibal, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Hannibal, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Hannibal, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
