Order of Protection Lawyer Barry County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Barry County, MO order of protection defense lawyers are trusted and esteemed criminal defense attorneys dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals who have been served with a restraining order. With a proven 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 Barry County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online 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 called a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain 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 family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued 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 Barry County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Barry County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Barry County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Barry County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to comply
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining 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 means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Barry County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Barry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Barry County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Barry County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Barry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Barry County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen 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 deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Barry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Barry County, 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 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, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and assist protect your rights during the Barry County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Barry County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift 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 assist 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. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. 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 Barry County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a variety of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations 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 possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from owning 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. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Barry County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Barry County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Barry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for 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 obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Barry County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Barry 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 standing by your side through the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Barry County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
