Order of Protection Lawyer Shelby County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Shelby County, 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 effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Shelby County, 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 tool designed to protect individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires 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 has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective 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 is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Shelby County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Shelby County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Shelby 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 achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Shelby 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately undertaking 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Shelby County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Shelby County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Shelby County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Shelby County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Shelby County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Shelby County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Shelby County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Shelby County, 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 meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights through the Shelby County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Shelby County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital 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 transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend 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 includes:
- 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 Shelby County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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, like limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms as per 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 placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Shelby County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Shelby County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Shelby County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Shelby County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Shelby County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Shelby County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
