Order of Protection Lawyer Clinton County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Clinton County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven 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 Clinton County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. 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 Clinton County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Clinton County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Clinton County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Clinton County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or holding 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Clinton County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Clinton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Clinton County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Clinton County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Clinton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Clinton County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Clinton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you need during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Clinton County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, including 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 has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Clinton County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Clinton County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Clinton County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Clinton County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, looking into 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 representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Clinton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage 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 gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Clinton County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clinton County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Clinton County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
