Order of Protection Lawyer Barry County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Barry County, MO you need an experienced 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 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 reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders 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 compelling rationale, 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 is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Barry County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Barry 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 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:
- Mistreating 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Barry County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Barry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Barry County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient 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 maintains a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Barry County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve 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 formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce 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 rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you need throughout this tough 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 — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and aid protect your rights throughout the Barry County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Barry 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 essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial 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 cause a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms according to 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Barry County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Barry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Barry County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Barry County, 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, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Barry County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
