Order of Protection Lawyer Gentry County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Gentry County, MO you need a knowledgeable 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 Gentry County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website 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 instrument designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels 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 restraining 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 petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs 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 Gentry County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Gentry County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Gentry County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Gentry County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary 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 employing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- 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 implies intentionally engaging 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Gentry County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Gentry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Gentry County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Gentry County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Gentry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Gentry County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Gentry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Gentry County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital 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. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights through the Gentry County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Gentry County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct 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 help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Gentry County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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 restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms as per 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Gentry County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Gentry County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Gentry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Gentry County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Gentry County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Gentry County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
