Order of Protection Lawyer Howard County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Howard 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howard County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is 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 is a victim of 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 evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, 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 occurs 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 Howard 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 Howard County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Howard County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Howard County, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to comply
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally engaging 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Howard County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Howard County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Howard County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Howard County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Howard County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Howard County, MO. All of our clients deserve 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 tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen 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 deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Howard County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Howard County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like 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 has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and help defend your rights throughout the Howard County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Howard County, 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 unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Howard County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms under 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Howard County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Howard 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 recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about 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 ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Howard County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howard County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Howard County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
