Order of Protection Lawyer Cooper County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert 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 established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cooper County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 essential legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires 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 relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. 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 Cooper County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Cooper County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Cooper 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 achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Cooper County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force 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 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” such as following, 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 Cooper County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Cooper County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Cooper County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Cooper County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Cooper County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cooper County, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right 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 utilize this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable 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 feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require throughout this tough 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 imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and aid safeguard your rights during the Cooper County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Cooper County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 depict your side of the story 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 ensure 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
- 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
Encountering an order of protection can result in a spectrum of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time 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 possessing firearms under 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Cooper County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Cooper County, MO include:
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cooper County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Cooper County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cooper County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in Cooper County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
