Order of Protection Lawyer Livingston County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Livingston County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established 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 Livingston County, 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 called a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 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 petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Livingston County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Livingston County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Livingston County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Livingston County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally engaging 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Livingston County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Livingston County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Livingston County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Livingston County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Livingston County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Livingston County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough 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 free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Livingston County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need 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 Livingston County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning 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 qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the Livingston County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Livingston County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Livingston County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, like 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 possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Livingston County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Livingston County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Livingston County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Livingston County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Livingston County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
