Order of Protection Lawyer Cole County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Cole County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven 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 Cole County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary 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 critical legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to abstain 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 family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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 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.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Cole County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Cole County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 offers two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally engaging 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cole County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly 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 should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable 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 has a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cole County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Cole County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, receiving the help and advocacy you require during this difficult 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 safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with 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 mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact 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 — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights through the Cole County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Cole County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Cole County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions 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, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Cole County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Cole County, MO include:
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cole County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are facing 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 pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Cole County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cole County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Cole County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.