Order of Protection Lawyer Hillsboro, MO
If you received a restraining order in Hillsboro, MO you need a knowledgeable 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 legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Hillsboro, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free 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 instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from 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 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 alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Hillsboro, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Hillsboro, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Hillsboro, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Hillsboro, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Hillsboro, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Hillsboro, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Hillsboro, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Hillsboro and Missouri order of protection law. As your Hillsboro, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Hillsboro, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Hillsboro, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the support and advocacy you require during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Hillsboro, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending 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, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, 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 — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Hillsboro, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Hillsboro, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt 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 aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict 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. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Hillsboro, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially 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, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Hillsboro, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Hillsboro, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Hillsboro, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Hillsboro, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Hillsboro, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
