Order of Protection Lawyer Platte City, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Platte City, 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Platte City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to safeguard people who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. 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 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 provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner 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 occur 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 Platte City, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Platte City, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Platte City, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Platte City, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 utilizing threats to force 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
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Platte City, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Platte City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Platte City, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Platte City and Missouri order of protection law. As your Platte City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Platte City, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Platte City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Platte City, MO, it is crucial 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 make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing 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, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights through the Platte City, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Platte City, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting 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 — Be aware of 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 comprises:
- 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 Platte City, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from having firearms under 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Platte City, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting 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 – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Platte City, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Platte City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Platte City, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Platte City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Platte City, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
