Order of Protection Lawyer Monroe County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Monroe County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Monroe County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is 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 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 compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Monroe County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Monroe County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Monroe County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Monroe 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately participating in 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Monroe County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Monroe County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Monroe County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Monroe County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Monroe County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Monroe County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep 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 offer an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Monroe County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you require throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Monroe County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and help defend your rights during the Monroe County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Monroe County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Monroe County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a range of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms as per 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Monroe County, MO and is focused on reducing 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. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Monroe County, MO include:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Monroe County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Monroe County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Monroe County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Monroe County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
