Order of Protection Lawyer Monroe County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Monroe 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 highly successful defense 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 reach out to us online for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–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 has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 Monroe County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Monroe County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Monroe County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Monroe 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately undertaking 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Monroe County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Monroe County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Monroe County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Monroe County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Monroe County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Monroe County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce 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 feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Monroe County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Monroe County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Monroe County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. 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 Monroe County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing 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 immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Monroe County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Monroe County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance 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 gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense 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 complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Monroe County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
