Order of Protection Lawyer Audrain County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Audrain 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 legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Audrain County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website 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 essential legal instrument designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain from 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 family member 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 they person they say abused them. The ex parte order is issued 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 Audrain County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Audrain County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Audrain County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Audrain County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally participating 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Audrain County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Audrain County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Audrain County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Audrain County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Audrain County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Audrain County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with deep 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 free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving vital 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 provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Audrain County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the help and advocacy you need during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Audrain County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee 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.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid 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 prompt actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights through the Audrain County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Audrain County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help 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 — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Audrain County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms under 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Audrain County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Audrain County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Audrain County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Audrain County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Audrain County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
