Order of Protection Lawyer Johnson County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Johnson County, MO you need a knowledgeable 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 effective defense 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 complimentary 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 tool designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
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 “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Johnson County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Johnson County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Johnson County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two chief 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully engaging in 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Johnson County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Johnson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Johnson County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed 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 has a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received 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 shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with deep 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 at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to fortify 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 unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Johnson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you need amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Johnson County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights through the Johnson County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Johnson County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps following 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 drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee 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
- Approval or rejection 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
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under 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 is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Johnson County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Johnson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Johnson County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Johnson County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Johnson County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
