Order of Protection Lawyer Marion County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Marion 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 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 Marion County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders 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 facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Marion County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Marion County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Marion County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Marion 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally engaging in 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Marion County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Marion County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Marion County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Marion County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Marion County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Marion County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared 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 tap into this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Marion County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, receiving the help and advocacy you require during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Marion County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly 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 following 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 result in serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Marion County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Marion County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps after 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Marion County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from having firearms according to 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Marion County, MO and is focused on lessening 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 traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Marion County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Marion County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Marion County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Marion County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
