Order of Protection Lawyer Andrew County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Andrew County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established 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 Andrew County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free 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 vital legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member 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 a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Andrew County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Andrew County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Andrew County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger 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 emotionally charged 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 followed correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Andrew County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Andrew County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable 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 has a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing 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 veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure 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, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate 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 rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you require during this tough 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 safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record 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 a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help protect your rights during the Andrew County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Andrew County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift 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 help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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
- Granting or refusal 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 spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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, including limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms under 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Andrew County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Andrew County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Andrew County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Andrew County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Andrew County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
