Order of Protection Lawyer Camden County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Camden County, MO you need an experienced 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 highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Camden County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to safeguard people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
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 determines there is “good cause”, 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 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 Camden 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 Camden County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Camden County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Camden County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 confining 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Camden County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Camden County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Camden County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Camden County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Camden County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Camden County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize 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 develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Camden County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Camden County, 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 thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights during the Camden County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Camden County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Camden County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms under 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Camden County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Camden County, MO include:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Camden County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Camden County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Camden County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, providing resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Camden County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
