Order of Protection Lawyer Clark County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Clark 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clark County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free 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 tool designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to abstain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of 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 compelling rationale, 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Clark County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Clark County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Clark County, MO, contact 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 Clark 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- 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 means purposefully participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause 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 medium or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Clark County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Clark County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Clark County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Clark County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Clark County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Clark County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- 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 Clark County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the assistance and advocacy you require during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Clark County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by 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, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a knowledgeable 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 — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and assist protect your rights through the Clark County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Clark County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing 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 associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure 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 Clark County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from having firearms under 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 alien, 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 require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Clark County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Clark County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Clark County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Clark County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clark County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Clark County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
