Order of Protection Lawyer McDonald County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert McDonald 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 effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in McDonald County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 called a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order is issued 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 McDonald County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in McDonald County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in McDonald County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in McDonald County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two chief 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 inflicting 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in McDonald County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your McDonald County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in McDonald County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in McDonald County and Missouri order of protection law. As your McDonald County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in McDonald County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated McDonald County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you deserve throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in McDonald County, MO, it is vital 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. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as essential 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. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights throughout the McDonald County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s McDonald County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps following 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 depict your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. 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 McDonald County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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, like limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms as per 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 issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in McDonald County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in McDonald County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s McDonald 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 vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in McDonald County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in McDonald County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in McDonald County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
