Order of Protection Lawyer New London, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert New London, 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in New London, 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 essential legal instrument designed to safeguard individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to refrain from 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 family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 New London, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in New London, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in New London, MO, contact 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 New London, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 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 participating 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 means purposefully engaging in 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in New London, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your New London, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in New London, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in New London and Missouri order of protection law. As your New London, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in New London, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated New London, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in New London, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard 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 make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the New London, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s New London, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 outline your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in New London, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a spectrum of significant 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 share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking 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 owning 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in New London, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s New London, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in New London, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in New London, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in New London, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
