Order of Protection Lawyer Henry County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Henry County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Henry 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 critical legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 determines there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Henry County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Henry County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Henry 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 Henry County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary 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 employing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Henry County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Henry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Henry County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Henry County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Henry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Henry County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled 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 Henry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Henry County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and following 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 cause grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as crucial 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. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights throughout the Henry County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Henry County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting 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 tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Henry County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from having 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Henry County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Henry County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Henry 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 encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Henry County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Henry County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Henry County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
