Order of Protection Lawyer Morgan County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Morgan County, MO you need a skilled 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 effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Morgan County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Morgan County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Morgan 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Morgan County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Morgan County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Morgan County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Morgan County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Morgan County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Morgan County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story shared 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 specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Morgan County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need 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 Morgan County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist protect your rights during the Morgan County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Morgan County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard 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 Morgan County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Morgan County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Morgan County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Morgan County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Morgan County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Morgan County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Morgan County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
