Order of Protection Lawyer Lewis County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Lewis County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal 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 free 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 crucial legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner 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 happen 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 Lewis County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Lewis County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lewis County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 employing threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part 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 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lewis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Lewis County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lewis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lewis County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story heard 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 design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost 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 assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming 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 be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, it is imperative 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 received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness 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 prompt steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights through the Lewis County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Lewis County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including 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 cause a range of major consequences that extend 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, particularly 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 restrictions on where you can go and who you can be 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 forbidden from possessing 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 issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Lewis County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lewis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Lewis County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Lewis County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
