Order of Protection Lawyer Saline County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Saline County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Saline 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 essential legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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 happen 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 Saline County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Saline County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Saline County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Saline County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two chief 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel 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 means purposefully engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger 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 medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Saline County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Saline County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Saline County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Saline County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Saline County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Saline County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Saline County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you require throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Saline County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This log 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 essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing 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 robust defense and aid protect your rights throughout the Saline County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Saline County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Saline County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a range of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as 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 under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Saline County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Saline County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Saline County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Saline County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Saline County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
