Order of Protection Lawyer Cooper County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated 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 reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is 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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection 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 issue 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Cooper County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Cooper County, MO, contact 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 chief 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to comply
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately participating in 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance 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 adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
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 seasoned attorneys is proficient 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 boasts a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cooper County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with deep 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 at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate 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 getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you deserve during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Cooper County, MO, it is vital 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’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and assist protect your rights through the Cooper County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Cooper County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend 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 comprises:
- 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 Cooper County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Cooper County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cooper County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future 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 through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait 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.
