Order of Protection Lawyer Callaway County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Callaway County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Callaway County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to abstain 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks 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 occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Callaway County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Callaway County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Callaway County, 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 Callaway County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully engaging in 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Callaway County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Callaway County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Callaway County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Callaway County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Callaway County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Callaway County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor 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 Callaway County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you need throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Callaway County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Callaway County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Callaway County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon 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 drafting 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. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged 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, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Callaway County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Callaway County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Callaway County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Callaway County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Callaway County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Callaway County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
