Order of Protection Lawyer Andrew County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Andrew County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Andrew County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out 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 people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide 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 happen within 15 days, the immediate 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 Andrew County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Andrew County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Andrew County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Andrew County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally engaging 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Andrew County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Andrew County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Andrew County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Andrew County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Andrew County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Andrew County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate 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 bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Andrew County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you deserve amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Andrew County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, including 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 has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the Andrew County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Andrew County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Andrew County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with 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 restrictions 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, like 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Andrew County, MO and is focused on minimizing 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. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Andrew County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Andrew County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Andrew County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Andrew County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Andrew County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
