Order of Protection Lawyer Bowling Green, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Bowling Green, 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 Bowling Green, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 measure designed to protect people 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 accused to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 relative or someone who lives with them.
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 abused them. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Bowling Green, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Bowling Green, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Bowling Green, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to comply
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately undertaking 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Bowling Green, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Bowling Green, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Bowling Green, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned 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 boasts a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Bowling Green, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast 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 lessen 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 rest assured that you are in competent hands, getting the support and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging 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 thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help protect your rights through the Bowling Green, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Bowling Green, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct 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 transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Bowling Green, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety 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, notably 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 associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from having 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 cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Bowling Green, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Bowling Green, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss 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 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 complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in Bowling Green, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
