Order of Protection Lawyer Farmington, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Farmington, 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 Farmington, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online 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 vital legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to abstain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
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 household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can issue 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Farmington, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Farmington, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Farmington, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Farmington, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to comply
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately 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 intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Farmington, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately 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 need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Farmington and Missouri order of protection law. As your Farmington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Farmington, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared 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 craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate 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 feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you require throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Farmington, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with 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, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed 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, get in touch with a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- 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 creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights throughout the Farmington, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Farmington, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Farmington, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Farmington, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative 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 dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Farmington, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Farmington, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Farmington, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
