Order of Protection Lawyer Jackson County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Jackson County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. 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 no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide 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 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 Jackson County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that 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, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Jackson 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- 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 means deliberately 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” like tracking, 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 Jackson County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly 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 profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Jackson County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Jackson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Jackson County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast 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, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Jackson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Jackson County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like 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 includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Jackson County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Jackson County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard 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, 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 result in a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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, including constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms as per 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 cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Jackson County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Jackson County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Jackson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring 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 through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in Jackson County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
