Order of Protection Lawyer Fulton, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Fulton, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven 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 Fulton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal tool designed to ensure the safety of people who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines 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 happen 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 Fulton, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Fulton, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Fulton, MO, get in touch with 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 Fulton, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Fulton, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Fulton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Fulton, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Fulton and Missouri order of protection law. As your Fulton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Fulton, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses tailored 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 formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Fulton, 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 need 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 Fulton, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights throughout the Fulton, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Fulton, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Fulton, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from possessing 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Fulton, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Fulton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Fulton, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Fulton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Fulton, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
