Order of Protection Lawyer Jackson County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert 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 established 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 contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 vital legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative 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 they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Jackson County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented 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 right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully 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 emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Jackson County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Jackson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Jackson County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept 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 consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Jackson County, 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 tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for 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 helps in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work 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 feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need throughout this tough 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 crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and assist protect your rights throughout the Jackson County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Jackson County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at 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 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
Encountering an order of protection can result in a range of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with 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, like limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing 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 placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Jackson County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to 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 – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate 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
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take 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 through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Jackson County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
