Order of Protection Lawyer Macon County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Macon County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal 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 contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to safeguard individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Macon County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Macon County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Macon County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Macon 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally undertaking 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s 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 require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient 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 has a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Macon County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Macon County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you deserve during 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 imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency 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 steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights throughout the Macon County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Macon County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend 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 side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by 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 cause a spectrum of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms according to 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. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Macon County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Macon County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Macon County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Macon County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Macon County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Macon County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
