Order of Protection Lawyer Crawford County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Crawford 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 effective 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 reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 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 petitioner and their alleged abuser. 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 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 Crawford County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Crawford County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Crawford County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Crawford County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally participating 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Crawford County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Crawford County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Crawford County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient 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 has a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Crawford County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard 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 utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed 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 all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Crawford County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you deserve 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 Crawford County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing 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 serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and aid safeguard your rights during the Crawford County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Crawford County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events 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 ensure your voice is heard 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, accompanied by 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 result in a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting 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, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Crawford County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Crawford County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Crawford County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Crawford County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Crawford County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
