Order of Protection Lawyer Arnold, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Arnold, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven 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 no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting 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 accused to avoid any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 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 Arnold, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Arnold, 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Arnold, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly 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 need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Arnold and Missouri order of protection law. As your Arnold, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Arnold, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth 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 extend an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Arnold, 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 deserve throughout 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 imperative 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’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and aid protect your rights during the Arnold, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Arnold, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Arnold, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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 — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing 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 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.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Arnold, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to 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 – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Arnold, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Arnold, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Arnold, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Arnold, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Arnold, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
