Order of Protection Lawyer Putnam County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Putnam County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. 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 Putnam County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 essential legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to refrain from 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 protective order 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 they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Putnam County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Putnam County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Putnam County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Putnam County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary 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 utilizing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- 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 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means 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 adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Putnam County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Putnam County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned 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 has a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Putnam County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce 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 be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you need during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Putnam County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid protect your rights during the Putnam County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Putnam County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting 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. Attend 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 consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including 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 lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt 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, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms according to 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. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands 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 defending your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Putnam 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 encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Putnam County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Putnam County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Putnam County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
