Order of Protection Lawyer Pettis County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert 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 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 reach out to us online for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires 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 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 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 is issued 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.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Pettis County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Pettis County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Pettis County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally participating 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 method or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Pettis County, MO can prove to be 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 should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies 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 maintains a consistent 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 shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen 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 rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you need 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 imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. 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 expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and help protect your rights through the Pettis County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like 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
Upon taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal 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 variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from having 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Pettis County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Pettis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Pettis County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Pettis County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in Pettis County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
