Order of Protection Lawyer Pulaski County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Pulaski 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 established 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 Pulaski County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to protect people who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 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 Pulaski County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Pulaski County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Pulaski County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Pulaski County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two chief instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Pulaski County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Pulaski County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Pulaski County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Pulaski County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Pulaski County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Pulaski 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 in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Pulaski County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, 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 Pulaski County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly 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, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help protect your rights during the Pulaski County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Pulaski County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in 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 comprises:
- 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 Pulaski County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed 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, like limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Pulaski County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Pulaski County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express 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 Pulaski County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Pulaski County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Pulaski County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
