Order of Protection Lawyer Cooper County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Cooper 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cooper 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.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur within 15 days, the order of 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 Cooper County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Cooper County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Cooper County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Cooper County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cooper County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Cooper County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Cooper County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Cooper County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Cooper County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cooper County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Cooper County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Cooper County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning 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 — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights during the Cooper County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Cooper County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- 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 guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Cooper County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints 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, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms under 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Cooper County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Cooper County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cooper County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Cooper County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cooper County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Cooper County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
