Order of Protection Lawyer Excelsior Springs, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional 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 established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 safeguard individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as 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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Excelsior Springs, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing 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, 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 resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Excelsior Springs, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or engaging 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 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed 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 provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of achieving 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 have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen 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 getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you need during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If 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 — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights during the Excelsior Springs, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Excelsior Springs, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative 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 depict your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure 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
- 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
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms as per 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Excelsior Springs, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Excelsior Springs, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Excelsior Springs, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Excelsior Springs, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Excelsior Springs, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Excelsior Springs, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
