Order of Protection Lawyer Cape Girardeau, MO. If you received a restraining order in Cape Girardeau, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive 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, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Legal Videos
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain 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 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 “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Cape Girardeau, 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, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Cape Girardeau, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Cape Girardeau, 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Cape Girardeau, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Cape Girardeau, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Cape Girardeau and Missouri order of protection law. As your Cape Girardeau, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cape Girardeau, MO. Each and every one 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 design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Cape Girardeau, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, getting the support and advocacy you need throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Cape Girardeau, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and aid safeguard your rights throughout the Cape Girardeau, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Cape Girardeau, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After 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 drafting 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 court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Cape Girardeau, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Cape Girardeau, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Cape Girardeau, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cape Girardeau, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend 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, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Cape Girardeau, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cape Girardeau, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Cape Girardeau, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
