Order of Protection Lawyer Jackson, MO
If you received a restraining order in Jackson, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven 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, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
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 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, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Jackson, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Jackson, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately 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, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating 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 participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger 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
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Jackson, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Jackson, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Jackson, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Jackson and Missouri order of protection law. As your Jackson, 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 facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Jackson, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of 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 offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Jackson, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Jackson, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously 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, comprehending it and abiding by 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 serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Jackson, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Jackson, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Jackson, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints 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 possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from owning 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. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Jackson, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Jackson, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal 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 take the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Jackson, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jackson, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Jackson, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
