Order of Protection Lawyer Liberty, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Liberty, MO order of protection defense lawyers are trusted and esteemed criminal defense attorneys dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals who have been served with a restraining order. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Liberty, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders 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 is a victim of 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 determines there is “good cause”, they can provide 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 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 Liberty, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Liberty, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Liberty, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Liberty, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two chief 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- 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 detaining 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Liberty, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Liberty, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Liberty, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Liberty and Missouri order of protection law. As your Liberty, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Liberty, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Liberty, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the support and advocacy you deserve amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Liberty, MO, it is crucial 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 make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Liberty, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Liberty, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances 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 comprises:
- 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 Liberty, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms according to 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Liberty, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Liberty, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Liberty, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Liberty, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Liberty, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Liberty, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
