Order of Protection Lawyer Cape Girardeau County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Cape Girardeau 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 defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. 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-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Cape Girardeau County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Cape Girardeau County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 presents two chief 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to comply
- Harassment, or taking part 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 intentionally 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cape Girardeau County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Cape Girardeau County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Cape Girardeau County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept 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 has a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cape Girardeau County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Cape Girardeau 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 require 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 vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid protect your rights throughout the Cape Girardeau County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Cape Girardeau County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital 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 outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Cape Girardeau County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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 constraints 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, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from having 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties 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 committed to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cape Girardeau County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that 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. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Cape Girardeau County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cape Girardeau County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, giving unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in Cape Girardeau County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
