Order of Protection Lawyer Lafayette County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Lafayette 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 defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to avoid 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 household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 Lafayette County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Lafayette County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lafayette County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lafayette County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to comply
- Harassment, or engaging 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 intentionally undertaking 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lafayette County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Lafayette County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Lafayette County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lafayette County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lafayette County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lafayette County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Lafayette County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as 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 has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and help protect your rights during the Lafayette County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Lafayette County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict 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 acknowledged 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lafayette County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms under 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Lafayette County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Lafayette County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lafayette County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Lafayette County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Lafayette County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
