Order of Protection Lawyer Buchanan County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Buchanan 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 proven 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 Buchanan 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.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 Buchanan County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Buchanan County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Buchanan County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Buchanan County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- 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
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Buchanan County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Buchanan County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Buchanan County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Buchanan County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Buchanan County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Buchanan County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right 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 tap into this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Buchanan County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Buchanan County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as vital 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. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist protect your rights through the Buchanan County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Buchanan County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Buchanan County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations 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 potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Buchanan County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Buchanan County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Buchanan County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Buchanan County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, offering resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Buchanan County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
