Order of Protection Lawyer Sedalia, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Sedalia, 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 highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Sedalia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to protect people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to abstain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
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 they person they say is a risk. 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 Sedalia, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Sedalia, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Sedalia, MO, contact 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 Sedalia, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Sedalia, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Sedalia, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Sedalia, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Sedalia and Missouri order of protection law. As your Sedalia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Sedalia, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented 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 utilize this expertise to design robust defenses tailored 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, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests 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 Sedalia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you require throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Sedalia, MO, it is imperative 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. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights throughout the Sedalia, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Sedalia, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events 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 make sure 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 Sedalia, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to 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 lead to criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Sedalia, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Sedalia, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Sedalia, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Sedalia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Sedalia, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
