Order of Protection Lawyer Maries County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Maries County, MO you need a knowledgeable 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 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 complimentary 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 essential legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals 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 orders the accused 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, 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 a hearing. 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 Maries County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Maries County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Maries County, MO, get in touch with 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 Maries 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to comply
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally participating 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Maries County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s 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 need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Maries County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Maries 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 who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Maries County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Maries County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the assistance and advocacy you deserve amidst this challenging 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 crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Maries County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Maries County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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 related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances 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 comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial 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 cause a variety of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms under 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Maries County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Maries County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Maries County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
