Order of Protection Lawyer Barton County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Barton County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Barton County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free 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 essential legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to refrain 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 evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim 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 Barton County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Barton County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Barton County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Barton County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 employing threats to force 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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 intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Barton County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Barton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Barton County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Barton County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Barton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Barton County, MO. Every single one 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 tap into this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Barton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Barton County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help protect your rights during the Barton County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Barton County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Barton County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing 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 prohibited from possessing firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Barton County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Barton County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Barton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial 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 available to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Barton County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Barton County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Barton County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
