Order of Protection Lawyer Boonville, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Boonville, 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Boonville, 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 called a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to safeguard individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to refrain 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 compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Boonville, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Boonville, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Boonville, MO, get in touch with 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 Boonville, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure 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 detaining 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Boonville, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Boonville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Boonville, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Boonville and Missouri order of protection law. As your Boonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Boonville, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft 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 works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive 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 every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Boonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, receiving the help and advocacy you need throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Boonville, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights throughout the Boonville, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Boonville, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital 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 outline your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Boonville, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a spectrum of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions 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, including 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 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 lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Boonville, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Boonville, 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 arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Boonville, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Boonville, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Boonville, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
