Order of Protection Lawyer Pike County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Pike 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 Pike County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to avoid 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 justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs 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 Pike 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 Pike County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Pike County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Pike County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to comply
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately undertaking 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Pike County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Pike County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Pike County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Pike County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Pike County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Pike County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate 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 essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented 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 Pike County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Pike County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to 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 — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Pike County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Pike County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- 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 — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure 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 Pike County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints 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, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms as per 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.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Pike County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Pike County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Pike County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Pike County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Pike County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
