Order of Protection Lawyer Plattsburg, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Plattsburg, MO you need a knowledgeable 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Plattsburg, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Plattsburg, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Plattsburg, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Plattsburg, 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to comply
- 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 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Plattsburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Plattsburg, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Plattsburg and Missouri order of protection law. As your Plattsburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Plattsburg, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Plattsburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, receiving the help and advocacy you require amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Plattsburg, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist protect your rights during the Plattsburg, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Plattsburg, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift 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 aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Plattsburg, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a range of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Plattsburg, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Plattsburg, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Plattsburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Plattsburg, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Plattsburg, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
