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 protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lawrence County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 protect people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain from 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 take place 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 Lawrence County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Lawrence County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lawrence County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lawrence County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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 purposefully engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lawrence County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lawrence County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Lawrence County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Lawrence County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lawrence County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lawrence County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving 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 be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Lawrence 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 thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and assist protect your rights during the Lawrence County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Lawrence County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lawrence County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms as per federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Lawrence County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed 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 – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lawrence County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Lawrence County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lawrence County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Lawrence County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
