Order of Protection Lawyer Joplin, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Joplin, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive 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 Joplin, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as 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 has suffered from 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 determines there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Joplin, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Joplin, 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately participating in 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Joplin, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Joplin, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Joplin, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Joplin and Missouri order of protection law. As your Joplin, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Joplin, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Joplin, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, getting the support and advocacy you deserve during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Joplin, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights throughout the Joplin, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Joplin, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- 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 defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Joplin, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Joplin, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Joplin, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Joplin, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal 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 Joplin, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Joplin, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Joplin, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
