Order of Protection Lawyer Fayette, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Fayette, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Fayette, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Fayette, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Fayette, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Fayette, 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 achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Fayette, 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- 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 detaining 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Fayette, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Fayette, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Fayette, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Fayette and Missouri order of protection law. As your Fayette, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Fayette, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend 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 assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute 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 lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Fayette, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, receiving the help and advocacy you need 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 Fayette, 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 carefully 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 following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a strong 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 actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and help defend your rights during the Fayette, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Fayette, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events 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 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Fayette, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms according to 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. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Fayette, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Fayette, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Fayette, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Fayette, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Fayette, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Fayette, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
