Order of Protection Lawyer Harrison County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Harrison 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrison County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary 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 critical legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
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 petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Harrison County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Harrison County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Harrison County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Harrison County, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger 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 intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrison County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Harrison County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Harrison County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Harrison County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Harrison County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Harrison County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with in-depth 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 offer an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Harrison County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, getting the help and advocacy you require 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 Harrison County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights through the Harrison County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Harrison County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Harrison County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a variety of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially 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 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, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Harrison County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Harrison County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Harrison County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Harrison County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrison County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Harrison County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
