Order of Protection Lawyer Lawrence County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Lawrence County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lawrence County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued directive–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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs 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 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 Lawrence County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Lawrence County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Lawrence County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lawrence County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lawrence County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lawrence County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Lawrence County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Lawrence County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lawrence County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lawrence County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lawrence County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Lawrence County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by 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 agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Lawrence County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Lawrence County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- 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 your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to 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 version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lawrence County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a spectrum of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt 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 spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Lawrence County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Lawrence County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lawrence County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Lawrence County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lawrence County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Lawrence County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
