Order of Protection Lawyer Pettis County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Pettis County, 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Pettis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free 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 essential legal tool designed to protect people who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner 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 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 Pettis County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Pettis County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Pettis County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Pettis County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating 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 act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging 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 intentionally engaging 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 medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Pettis 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 Pettis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Pettis County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Pettis County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Pettis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Pettis County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced 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 provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Pettis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the support and advocacy you deserve during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Pettis County, 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 received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving 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 expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, such as 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 has restrictions on reaching 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 strong defense and aid protect your rights throughout the Pettis County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Pettis County, 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 vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged 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, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Pettis County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Pettis County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Pettis County, MO include:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Pettis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Pettis County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Pettis County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Pettis County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
