Order of Protection Lawyer Putnam County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Putnam County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Putnam County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to protect people who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to abstain 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can issue 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 Putnam County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Putnam County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Putnam County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Putnam 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Putnam County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Putnam County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Putnam County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Putnam County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Putnam County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Putnam County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer 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 strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work 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 Putnam County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you require during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Putnam County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to building 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 swift steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Putnam County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Putnam County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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 tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure 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 Putnam County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from owning 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 immigrant, 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 need experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Putnam County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Putnam County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Putnam County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Putnam County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Putnam County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in Putnam County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
