Order of Protection Lawyer Festus, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Festus, 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 highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Festus, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to safeguard people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 family member or someone who lives with them.
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 their alleged abuser. 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 Festus, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Festus, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Festus, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Festus, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two chief 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Festus, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Festus, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Festus, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Festus and Missouri order of protection law. As your Festus, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Festus, 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 formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle 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 work 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 Festus, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the support and advocacy you require throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Festus, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Festus, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Festus, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- 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 your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Festus, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a variety of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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, including constraints 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, including arrest and possible 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Festus, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Festus, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Festus, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Festus, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Festus, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Festus, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
