Order of Protection Lawyer Ray County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Ray County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive 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 Ray County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary 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 critical legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative 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 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 take place 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 Ray County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Ray County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Ray County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Ray County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging 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 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ray County, MO can be 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 Ray County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Ray County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Ray County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Ray County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ray County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned 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 evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Ray County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you require throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Ray County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- 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, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving 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, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist protect your rights throughout the Ray County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Ray County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Ray County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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, including limitations 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 facing an order of protection may be banned from owning 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. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Ray County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ray County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Ray County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ray County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Ray County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
