Order of Protection Lawyer Scott County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Scott 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 defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Scott County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 crucial legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to avoid 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 someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 Scott 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 Scott County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Scott County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Scott 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Scott County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Scott County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Scott County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Scott County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Scott County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Scott County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Scott County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, getting 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 Scott County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in 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, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights through the Scott County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Scott County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Scott County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Scott County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Scott County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge 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, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Scott County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Scott County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Scott County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
