Order of Protection Lawyer Clarkson Valley, MO
If you received a restraining order in Clarkson Valley, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established 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 Clarkson Valley, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website 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 vital legal measure designed to protect people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative 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 Clarkson Valley, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Clarkson Valley, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Clarkson Valley, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Clarkson Valley, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately undertaking 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Clarkson Valley, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Clarkson Valley, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Clarkson Valley, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Clarkson Valley and Missouri order of protection law. As your Clarkson Valley, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Clarkson Valley, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve 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 design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Clarkson Valley, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Clarkson Valley, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help protect your rights throughout the Clarkson Valley, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Clarkson Valley, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift 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 assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Clarkson Valley, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Clarkson Valley, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Clarkson Valley, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Clarkson Valley, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clarkson Valley, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Clarkson Valley, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
