Order of Protection Lawyer Cole County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Cole County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. 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 Cole County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to protect people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels 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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining 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 petitioner and their alleged abuser. 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 Cole County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Cole County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Cole County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Cole County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or taking part 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 intentionally 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cole County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Cole County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Cole County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Cole County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Cole County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cole County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Cole County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Cole County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by 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 cause severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive 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 — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights throughout the Cole County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Cole County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Cole County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing 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 prohibited from owning 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Cole County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Cole County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cole County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Cole County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cole County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Cole County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
