Order of Protection Lawyer Jackson County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Jackson 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 tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jackson County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to refrain from 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
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 is a risk. 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 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 Jackson County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Jackson County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Jackson 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 obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Jackson County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Jackson County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Jackson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Jackson County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Jackson County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Jackson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Jackson County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented 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 design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Jackson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Jackson County, MO, it is vital 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’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the Jackson County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Jackson County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps post 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 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 court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Jackson County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time 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 owning firearms according to 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 issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Jackson County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Jackson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Jackson County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jackson County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, giving unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in Jackson County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
