Order of Protection Lawyer Osage Beach, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Osage Beach, 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 Osage Beach, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of 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 determines there is “good cause”, 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 Osage Beach, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Osage Beach, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Osage Beach, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Osage Beach, 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Osage Beach, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Osage Beach, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Osage Beach, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Osage Beach and Missouri order of protection law. As your Osage Beach, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Osage Beach, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Osage Beach, 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 during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Osage Beach, 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 meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights throughout the Osage Beach, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Osage Beach, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Osage Beach, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms according to 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Osage Beach, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Osage Beach, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Osage Beach, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Osage Beach, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Osage Beach, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Osage Beach, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
