Order of Protection Lawyer Barry County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Barry County, 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Barry County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks 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 occur 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 Barry County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Barry County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Barry County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Barry County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Barry 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 Barry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Barry County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Barry County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Barry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Barry County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Barry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you deserve during this difficult 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 safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully 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, understanding 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 specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital 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 caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights throughout the Barry County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Barry County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial 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 preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard 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
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions 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, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms as per 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Barry County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Barry County, MO include:
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Barry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal 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 open to you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Barry County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Barry County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Barry County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
