Order of Protection Lawyer Bowling Green, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Bowling Green, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Bowling Green, 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 known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative 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 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 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 Bowling Green, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Bowling Green, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Bowling Green, MO, reach out to 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 Bowling Green, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- 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 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Bowling Green, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Bowling Green, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Bowling Green, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Bowling Green and Missouri order of protection law. As your Bowling Green, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Bowling Green, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared 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 craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Bowling Green, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Bowling Green, MO, it is crucial 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 received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure 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 — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Bowling Green, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Bowling Green, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post 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 your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Bowling Green, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden 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 issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Bowling Green, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Bowling Green, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Bowling Green, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Bowling Green, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Bowling Green, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Bowling Green, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
