Order of Protection Lawyer Lafayette County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Lafayette County, MO order of protection defense lawyers are trusted and esteemed criminal defense attorneys dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals who have been served with a restraining order. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal 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 online 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 well-being of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, 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 Lafayette County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented 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 as soon as possible 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 chief 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating 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 intentionally engaging 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
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 profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed 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 has a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lafayette County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen 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 be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help 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 crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and aid protect your rights during the Lafayette County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Lafayette County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Lafayette County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms under 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Lafayette County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lafayette County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Lafayette County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Lafayette County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
