Order of Protection Lawyer Cape Girardeau County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Cape Girardeau County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to protect people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders 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 has suffered from 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 “good cause”, they can provide 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 take place 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Cape Girardeau County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Cape Girardeau 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 secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Cape Girardeau County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately participating 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cape Girardeau County, MO can prove to 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Cape Girardeau County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Cape Girardeau County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Cape Girardeau County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cape Girardeau County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed 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 future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Cape Girardeau County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you need amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Cape Girardeau County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect 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 concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving 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 — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as 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 has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights through the Cape Girardeau County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Cape Girardeau County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate 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 help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances 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 consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Cape Girardeau County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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 limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Cape Girardeau County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Cape Girardeau County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cape Girardeau County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Cape Girardeau County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cape Girardeau County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Cape Girardeau County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
