Order of Protection Lawyer Boone County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Boone 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 impressive 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 Boone County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 vital legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires 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 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 justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs 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 Boone County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Boone County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Boone County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Boone County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Boone County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Boone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Boone County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Boone County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Boone County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Boone County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Boone County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you deserve amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Boone County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist protect your rights through the Boone County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Boone County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- 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 associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Boone County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing 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 under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Boone County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Boone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Boone County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Boone County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Boone County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
