Order of Protection Lawyer Laclede County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Laclede County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established 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 Laclede County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain from 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Laclede 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 Laclede County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Laclede County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Laclede County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly 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 need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept 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 proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Laclede County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With 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 amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Laclede County, 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. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and aid protect your rights throughout the Laclede County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given 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 immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Laclede County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of significant consequences that go 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, especially 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, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms as per 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 immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Laclede County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Laclede County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Laclede County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Laclede County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Laclede County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
