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Bowling Green, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Bowling Green, MO

If you were hit with a restraining order in Bowling Green, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established 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 Bowling Green, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 family member 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. 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.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Bowling Green, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Bowling Green, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve 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.

  1. Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
    • Mistreating a pet
    • Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
    • Battery, or causing physical harm
    • Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
  2. Stalking Stalking implies deliberately 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device

Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Bowling Green, MO can be all the difference in ensuring 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 profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Bowling Green and Missouri order of protection law. As your Bowling Green, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

  • Proven successes Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Bowling Green, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented 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 design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
  • Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
  • Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
  • Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
  • Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming 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 rest assured that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve during 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 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. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
  • Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
  • Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
  • Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
  • Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
  • Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights through the Bowling Green, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Bowling Green, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

Upon taking prompt steps after 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 detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
  • Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee 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
    • Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by 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 result in a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:

  • Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
  • Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
  • Firearm restrictions — A respondent under 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 affected by a valid full order of protection.
  • Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Bowling Green, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – have 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

In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.

To begin the first step towards safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Bowling Green, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Bowling Green, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay 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.

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