Order of Protection Lawyer Lee’s Summit, MO
If you received a restraining order in Lee’s Summit, MO you need an experienced 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 defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order 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 dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 family member or household member.
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 petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order is issued 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 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 Lee’s Summit, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Lee’s Summit, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lee’s Summit, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lee’s Summit, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 leveraging threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 implies deliberately participating 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lee’s Summit, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Lee’s Summit, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Lee’s Summit and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lee’s Summit, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lee’s Summit, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lee’s Summit, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you need throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Lee’s Summit, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable 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 comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist protect your rights during the Lee’s Summit, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Lee’s Summit, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post 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 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings 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 includes:
- 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 Lee’s Summit, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Lee’s Summit, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lee’s Summit, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Lee’s Summit, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, providing resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Lee’s Summit, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
