Order of Protection Lawyer Jasper County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Jasper County, 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 Jasper County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary 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 vital legal measure designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to abstain from 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks 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 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 Jasper County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Jasper County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Jasper 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 secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Jasper County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 means purposefully undertaking 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Jasper County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Jasper County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Jasper County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Jasper County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Jasper County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Jasper County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story shared 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 utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Jasper County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, receiving the support and advocacy you need throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Jasper County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights during the Jasper County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Jasper County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Jasper County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating 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 prohibited from possessing firearms as per federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking 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 intricacies of order of protection cases in Jasper County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Jasper County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Jasper County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Jasper County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jasper County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Jasper County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
