Order of Protection Lawyer Farmington, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Farmington, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established 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 Farmington, 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.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
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 alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued 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 Farmington, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Farmington, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Farmington, MO, contact 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 Farmington, 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:
- Injuring 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 act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Farmington, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Farmington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Farmington, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Farmington and Missouri order of protection law. As your Farmington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Farmington, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Farmington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you require throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Farmington, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept 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 mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and help protect your rights throughout the Farmington, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Farmington, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate 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 assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Farmington, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints 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, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from having firearms as per federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Farmington, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Farmington, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Farmington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Farmington, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Farmington, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, giving unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Farmington, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
