Order of Protection Lawyer Arnold, MO
If you received a restraining order in Arnold, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Arnold, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 known as a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to safeguard individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to abstain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 relative or someone who lives with them.
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 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 Arnold, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Arnold, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Arnold, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Arnold, 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force 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 means purposefully 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Arnold, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Arnold, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Arnold, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Arnold and Missouri order of protection law. As your Arnold, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Arnold, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Arnold, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help 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 Arnold, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist protect your rights throughout the Arnold, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Arnold, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events 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 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Arnold, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms as per federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection placed on 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 knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Arnold, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Arnold, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Arnold, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Arnold, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Arnold, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
