Order of Protection Lawyer Howell County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Howell County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howell County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online 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 crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. 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 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 Howell 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 Howell County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Howell 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 obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Howell 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally undertaking 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Howell County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Howell County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Howell County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Howell County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Howell County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Howell County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Howell County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you deserve amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Howell County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help defend your rights during the Howell County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Howell County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Howell County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a range of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from having 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 lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Howell County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Howell County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Howell County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howell County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to go over your order of protection case in Howell County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
