Order of Protection Lawyer California, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional California, 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in California, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to avoid 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 household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued 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 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 California, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in California, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in California, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in California, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing 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 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 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 highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in California, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your California, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in California, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in California and Missouri order of protection law. As your California, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in California, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- 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 California, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, getting the help 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 California, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and help protect your rights throughout the California, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s California, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 California, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from having 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in California, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in California, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s California, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in California, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in California, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in California, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
