Order of Protection Lawyer Macon County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Macon 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 impressive 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 Macon County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to abstain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. 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 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 Macon County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Macon County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Macon County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Macon County, 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally undertaking 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 means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Macon County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Macon County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Macon County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Macon County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Macon County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard 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 tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Macon County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Macon County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This record 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. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Macon County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Macon County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Macon County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated 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, including limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms under federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Macon County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Macon County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Macon County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO today 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, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Macon County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
