Order of Protection Lawyer Cole County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Cole 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 highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cole County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim 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 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 Cole County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Cole County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Cole County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor 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 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cole County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Cole County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Cole County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient 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 boasts a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cole County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft 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, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled 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 Cole County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Cole County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and aid safeguard your rights throughout the Cole County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Cole County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized 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
- Issuance or denial 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
Confronting an order of protection can cause a variety of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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 limitations 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 forbidden from owning firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Cole County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cole County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Cole County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cole County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Cole County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
