Order of Protection Lawyer Maries County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Maries County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive 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 Maries County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website 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 crucial legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Maries County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Maries County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Maries County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Maries County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- 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 purposefully 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Maries County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Maries County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Maries County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Maries County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Maries County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Maries County, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Maries County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Maries County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with 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 — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, including 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 comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and aid safeguard your rights during the Maries County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Maries County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- 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 — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Maries County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of significant consequences that reach 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, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing 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 is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Maries County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Maries County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Maries County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Maries County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Maries County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Maries County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
