Order of Protection Lawyer Sedalia, MO
If you received a restraining order in Sedalia, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Sedalia, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 critical legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires 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 relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. 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 take place within 15 days, the immediate 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.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Sedalia, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Sedalia, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Sedalia, 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part 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 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Sedalia, 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 Sedalia, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Sedalia, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Sedalia and Missouri order of protection law. As your Sedalia, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts 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 deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to examine 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 collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming 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 be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this difficult 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 vital 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. Grasp 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 best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and aid protect your rights during the Sedalia, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Sedalia, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Sedalia, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Sedalia, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Sedalia, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Sedalia, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Sedalia, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Sedalia, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Sedalia, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
