Order of Protection Lawyer Harrisonville, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Harrisonville, 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 effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrisonville, 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 instrument designed to protect people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to avoid any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Harrisonville, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Harrisonville, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Harrisonville, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Harrisonville, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two chief 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part 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 participating in 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrisonville, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Harrisonville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Harrisonville, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Harrisonville and Missouri order of protection law. As your Harrisonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Harrisonville, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Harrisonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, receiving the help and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Harrisonville, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Harrisonville, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Harrisonville, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Harrisonville, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms according to 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Harrisonville, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Harrisonville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Harrisonville, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrisonville, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Harrisonville, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
