Order of Protection Lawyer Chariton County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Chariton County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Chariton 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.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
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 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 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 Chariton 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 Chariton County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Chariton County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Chariton County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Chariton County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Chariton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Chariton County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Chariton County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Chariton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Chariton County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with in-depth 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 offer an initial consultation without any fees 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 collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- 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 Chariton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Chariton County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard 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 accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to 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 — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will establish the foundation for a strong defense and aid safeguard your rights throughout the Chariton County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Chariton County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of 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 hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Chariton County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms according to 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Chariton County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Chariton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Chariton County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Chariton County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Chariton County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
