Order of Protection Lawyer Independence, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert Independence, 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 legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Independence, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to safeguard individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 restraining 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 justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued 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 Independence, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Independence, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Independence, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Independence, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Independence, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Independence, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Independence, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Independence and Missouri order of protection law. As your Independence, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Independence, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Independence, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support 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 Independence, 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 meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid safeguard your rights throughout the Independence, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Independence, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct 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 unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Independence, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential 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 is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Independence, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on safeguarding 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 – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Independence, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Independence, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Independence, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Independence, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, offering resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Independence, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
