Order of Protection Lawyer Neosho, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Neosho, 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Neosho, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 restraining order 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 is a risk. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Neosho, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Neosho, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Neosho, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Neosho, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally participating 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” like 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 Neosho, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Neosho, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Neosho, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Neosho and Missouri order of protection law. As your Neosho, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Neosho, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared 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 utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Neosho, 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 need throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Neosho, 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 meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights throughout the Neosho, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Neosho, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital 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 detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Neosho, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under 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 issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Neosho, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Neosho, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Neosho, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Neosho, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Neosho, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Neosho, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
