Order of Protection Lawyer Daviess County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Daviess 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Daviess 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.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders 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 has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
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 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 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 Daviess County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Daviess County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Daviess 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 Daviess 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally engaging 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Daviess County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Daviess County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Daviess County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Daviess County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Daviess County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Daviess County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Daviess County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Daviess County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and aid protect your rights through the Daviess County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Daviess County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Daviess County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of notable 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, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in 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 result in criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing 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 immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Daviess County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Daviess County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Daviess County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Daviess County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, providing resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Daviess County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
