Order of Protection Lawyer Lincoln County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Lincoln County, 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 proven 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 Lincoln County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim 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 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 Lincoln County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Lincoln County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lincoln County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lincoln County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- 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 means intentionally undertaking 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lincoln County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lincoln County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Lincoln County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Lincoln County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lincoln County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lincoln County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor 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 Lincoln County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Lincoln County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and aid safeguard your rights during the Lincoln County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Lincoln County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of 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 includes:
- 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 Lincoln County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms as per 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. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Lincoln County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lincoln County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Lincoln County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lincoln County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Lincoln County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
