Order of Protection Lawyer Newton County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Newton County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Newton County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary 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 critical legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can provide 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 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 Newton County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Newton County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Newton County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Newton County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to comply
- 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 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Newton County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Newton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Newton County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Newton County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Newton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Newton County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Newton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you deserve amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Newton County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and aid safeguard your rights throughout the Newton County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Newton County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Newton County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of significant 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Newton County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting 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 – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Newton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Newton County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Newton County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Newton County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
