Order of Protection Lawyer Dent County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Dent County, MO you need an experienced 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 Dent County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to protect people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide 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 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 given an order of protection in Dent County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Dent 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately undertaking 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Dent County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Dent County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Dent County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept 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 boasts a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Dent 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 in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen 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 rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you deserve during 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 defend 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 guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights during 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 lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate 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 aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Dent County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms according to 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Dent County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Dent County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Dent County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Dent County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Dent County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
