Order of Protection Lawyer Dallas County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Dallas County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established 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 Dallas County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to protect people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to avoid 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 relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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 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 Dallas County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Dallas County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Dallas County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Dallas County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully 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” including following, 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 Dallas County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Dallas County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Dallas County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Dallas County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Dallas County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Dallas County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Dallas County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you deserve amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Dallas County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with 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, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist protect your rights during the Dallas County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Dallas County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate 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 drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Dallas County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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, including limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms as per 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Dallas County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Dallas County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Dallas County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Dallas County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Dallas County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
