Order of Protection Lawyer Perry County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Perry County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven 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 Perry County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to abstain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines 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 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 Perry County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Perry County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Perry County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Perry 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- 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 deliberately 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Perry County, 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 Perry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Perry County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Perry County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Perry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Perry County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth 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 offer an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Perry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance 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 Perry County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee 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 mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights through the Perry County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Perry County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps after 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Perry County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Perry County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Perry County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Perry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Perry County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Perry County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Perry County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
