Order of Protection Lawyer Greene County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Greene County, MO order of protection defense lawyers are trusted and esteemed criminal defense attorneys dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals who have been served with a restraining order. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Greene County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Greene County, 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 Greene County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Greene County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Greene County, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Greene County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Greene County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Greene County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Greene County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Greene County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Greene County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Greene County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need 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 Greene County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- 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 strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and aid safeguard your rights throughout the Greene County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Greene County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt 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 assist you in preparing 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. 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 Greene County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms under federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is under 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 lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Greene County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for 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.
Other cases we take on in Greene County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Greene County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Greene County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Greene County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Greene County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
