Order of Protection Lawyer Lewis County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Lewis County, MO you need an experienced 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
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Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
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What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused 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 order of protection 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 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 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 Lewis County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Lewis County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lewis County, 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 Lewis County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 utilizing threats to pressure 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully participating 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lewis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Lewis County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lewis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lewis County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lewis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you require amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating 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 steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights through the Lewis County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Lewis County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lewis County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing 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 nuances of order of protection cases in Lewis County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Lewis County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lewis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Lewis County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Lewis County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
