Order of Protection Lawyer Harrisonville, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Harrisonville, 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 established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrisonville, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 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 occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Harrisonville, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Harrisonville, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Harrisonville, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Harrisonville, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrisonville, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Harrisonville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Harrisonville, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Harrisonville and Missouri order of protection law. As your Harrisonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Harrisonville, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Harrisonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you deserve during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Harrisonville, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, 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 in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Harrisonville, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Harrisonville, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. 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 Harrisonville, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms as per 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Harrisonville, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Harrisonville, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Harrisonville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Harrisonville, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrisonville, 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 during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Harrisonville, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
