Order of Protection Lawyer Lexington, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Lexington, MO you need a knowledgeable 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 Lexington, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost 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 critical legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to abstain from 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lexington, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lexington, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lexington, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lexington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Lexington, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Lexington and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lexington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lexington, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lexington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you require throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Lexington, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to safeguard 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. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights through the Lexington, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Lexington, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing 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 — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lexington, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 immigrant, 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 severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Lexington, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lexington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Lexington, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lexington, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, offering resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in Lexington, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
