Order of Protection Lawyer Savannah, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Savannah, 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 highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Savannah, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free 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 measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to refrain 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 family member 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 is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Savannah, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Savannah, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Savannah, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Savannah, 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Savannah, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Savannah, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Savannah, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Savannah and Missouri order of protection law. As your Savannah, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Savannah, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Savannah, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Savannah, MO, it is imperative 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 guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights during the Savannah, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Savannah, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- 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 ensure your voice is heard 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, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Savannah, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Savannah, MO and is focused on minimizing 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 wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Savannah, 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 guidance in such matters, we highly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In 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 take the preliminary step in the direction of securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Savannah, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Savannah, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Savannah, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
