Order of Protection Lawyer Pettis County, MO. If you received a restraining order in Pettis County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive 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 Pettis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks 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 abused them. 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 Pettis County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Pettis County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Pettis County, MO, get in touch with 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 Pettis County, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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 means purposefully participating 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated 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 ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Pettis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Pettis County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient 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 has a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Pettis County, 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 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 extend an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Pettis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Pettis County, MO, it is imperative 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. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights throughout the Pettis County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Pettis County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story 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 guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Pettis County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as 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 affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Pettis County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Pettis County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Pettis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Pettis County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
