Order of Protection Lawyer Jefferson City, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Jefferson City, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. 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 no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member 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 alleged victim 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 Jefferson City, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Jefferson City, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Jefferson City, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Jefferson City, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- 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 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson City, MO can 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
When you are facing an order of protection in Jefferson City, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient 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 boasts a consistent 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 have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce 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 feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, receiving the help and advocacy you deserve 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 Jefferson City, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist protect your rights throughout the Jefferson City, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Jefferson City, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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 tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Jefferson City, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms under 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Jefferson City, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Jefferson City, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Jefferson City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Jefferson City, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson City, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Jefferson City, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
