Order of Protection Lawyer Lafayette, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Lafayette, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive 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 Lafayette, 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 called a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from 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 “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order is issued 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, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Lafayette, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Lafayette, 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 obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lafayette, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully participating 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Lafayette, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Lafayette and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lafayette, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lafayette, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with deep 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 offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lafayette, 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
Whenever served with an order of protection in Lafayette, MO, it is crucial 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 make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights during the Lafayette, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Lafayette, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lafayette, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from owning 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Lafayette, MO and is committed to minimizing 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 traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lafayette, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Lafayette, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lafayette, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Lafayette, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
