Order of Protection Lawyer Johnson County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Johnson County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Johnson County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative 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 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 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 Johnson County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Johnson County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Johnson County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Johnson County, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately participating in 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Johnson County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Johnson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Johnson County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Johnson County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Johnson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Johnson County, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for 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 develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Johnson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, getting the support and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Johnson County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and aid safeguard your rights through the Johnson County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Johnson County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. 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 Johnson County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially 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, including restrictions 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, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from having 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Johnson County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Johnson County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Johnson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Johnson County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Johnson County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Johnson County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
