Order of Protection Lawyer Crawford County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Crawford County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Crawford County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
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 household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner 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 happen 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 Crawford County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Crawford County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Crawford County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Crawford County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately engaging 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 means or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Crawford County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Crawford County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Crawford County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Crawford County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Crawford County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Crawford 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 thorough 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 extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Crawford County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the support and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Crawford County, MO, it is imperative 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 received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Crawford County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Crawford County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Crawford County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms under 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Crawford County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Crawford County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Crawford County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss 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 rights and future in an order of protection case in Crawford County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Crawford County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Crawford County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
