Order of Protection Lawyer Jefferson City, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Jefferson City, 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson City, 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.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member 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 alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Jefferson City, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Jefferson City, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Jefferson City, MO, get in touch with 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 Jefferson City, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson City, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Jefferson City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Jefferson City, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Jefferson City and Missouri order of protection law. As your Jefferson City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Jefferson City, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Jefferson City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, receiving the support and advocacy you deserve amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Jefferson City, 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 thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights during the Jefferson City, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Jefferson City, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Jefferson City, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with 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, like restrictions 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, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms under 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 immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Jefferson City, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Jefferson City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Jefferson City, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Jefferson City, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
