Order of Protection Lawyer Kansas City, MO. If you received a restraining order in Kansas City, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. 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 Kansas City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain from 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 family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner 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 Kansas City, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Kansas City, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Kansas City, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Kansas City, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 deliberately participating 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Kansas City, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Kansas City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Kansas City, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Kansas City and Missouri order of protection law. As your Kansas City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Kansas City, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Kansas City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the support and advocacy you need during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Kansas City, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Kansas City, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Kansas City, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after 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 drafting 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. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. 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 Kansas City, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms according to 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. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Kansas City, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Kansas City, MO include:
- Assault Defense Lawyer
- Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Kansas City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Kansas City, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Kansas City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Kansas City, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.