Order of Protection Lawyer DeKalb County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in DeKalb County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive 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 DeKalb County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at 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 ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels 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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining 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 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 DeKalb County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in DeKalb County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in DeKalb County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in DeKalb 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- 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 purposefully 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in DeKalb County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your DeKalb County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in DeKalb County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in DeKalb County and Missouri order of protection law. As your DeKalb County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in DeKalb County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated DeKalb County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the assistance and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in DeKalb County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights during the DeKalb County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s DeKalb County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 DeKalb County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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, including constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from owning 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in DeKalb County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in DeKalb County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s DeKalb County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in DeKalb County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in DeKalb County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in DeKalb County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
