Order of Protection Lawyer Excelsior Springs, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Excelsior Springs, 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 highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to refrain from 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
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 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 happen 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 Excelsior Springs, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Excelsior Springs, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Excelsior Springs, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Excelsior Springs, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main 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 employing 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Excelsior Springs, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Excelsior Springs, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Excelsior Springs and Missouri order of protection law. As your Excelsior Springs, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Excelsior Springs, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine 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 collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Excelsior Springs, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Excelsior Springs, 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 received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and aid safeguard your rights during the Excelsior Springs, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Excelsior Springs, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps after 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Excelsior Springs, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a range of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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 spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing 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 under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection imposed 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 seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Excelsior Springs, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Excelsior Springs, MO include:
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Excelsior Springs, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Excelsior Springs, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in Excelsior Springs, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
