Order of Protection Lawyer Laclede County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Laclede County, MO you need a skilled 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 legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
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 Laclede County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Laclede County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Laclede County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Laclede County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to comply
- Harassment, or taking part 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 implies deliberately engaging 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 medium or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Laclede County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Laclede County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Laclede County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Laclede County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Laclede County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Laclede County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you require throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Laclede County, MO, it is imperative 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’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Laclede County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Laclede County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings 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 comprises:
- 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 Laclede County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a variety of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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, like limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking 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 forbidden from having 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 immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Laclede County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Laclede County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Laclede County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Laclede County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Laclede County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
