Order of Protection Lawyer Bates County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Bates 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 Bates County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to abstain from 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 household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can issue 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 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 Bates 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 Bates County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Bates County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Bates County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main 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 follow a specific action
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally undertaking 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Bates County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Bates County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Bates County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Bates County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Bates County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Bates County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Bates County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Bates County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights during the Bates County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Bates County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. 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 Bates County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting 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, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and potential 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 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. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Bates County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Bates County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Bates County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Bates County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Bates County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
