Order of Protection Lawyer Carrollton, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Carrollton, 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 established 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 Carrollton, 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.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to safeguard 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 requires the accused to avoid 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 family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, 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 Carrollton, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Carrollton, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Carrollton, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Carrollton, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally participating in 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
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Carrollton, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Carrollton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Carrollton, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Carrollton and Missouri order of protection law. As your Carrollton, 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 Carrollton, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Carrollton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, getting the help and advocacy you deserve during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Carrollton, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate 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 — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights during the Carrollton, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Carrollton, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Carrollton, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced 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, such as constraints 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 potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from owning 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Carrollton, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Carrollton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Carrollton, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Carrollton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Carrollton, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
