Order of Protection Lawyer Greene County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Greene County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Greene County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free 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 essential legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders 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 compelling rationale, 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 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 Greene County, 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 Greene County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Greene County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Greene County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or engaging 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 undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause 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 method 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 make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Greene County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Greene County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced 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 boasts a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Greene County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen 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 feel certain that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Greene County, MO, it is crucial 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’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights through the Greene County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Greene County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline 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 you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial 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
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt 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, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Greene County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Greene County, MO include:
- Violent Crime Lawyer
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Greene County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Greene County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Greene County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Greene County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.