Order of Protection Lawyer Dent County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Dent County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Dent County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of people who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires 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 someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Dent 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 Dent County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Dent County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Dent 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Dent County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Dent County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Dent County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Dent County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Dent County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Dent County, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Dent County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you need throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Dent County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights through the Dent County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Dent County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Dent County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating 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 prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is under 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. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Dent County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Dent County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Dent County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about 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 securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Dent County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Dent County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Dent County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
