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 reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines 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 take place 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 Fayette, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Fayette, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Fayette, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away 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 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking 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 means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Fayette, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Fayette, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Fayette, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Fayette and Missouri order of protection law. As your Fayette, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Fayette, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Fayette, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you deserve amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Fayette, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights during the Fayette, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Fayette, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story 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 court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized 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 cause a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations 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 subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms under 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Fayette, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Fayette, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Fayette, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Fayette, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Fayette, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
