Order of Protection Lawyer Springfield, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Springfield, 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Springfield, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 instrument designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 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 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 Springfield, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Springfield, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Springfield, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Springfield, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully engaging 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
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Springfield, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Springfield, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Springfield, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Springfield and Missouri order of protection law. As your Springfield, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Springfield, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Springfield, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the assistance and advocacy you require during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Springfield, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning 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 — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights through the Springfield, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Springfield, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Springfield, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a spectrum of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints 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 under an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms under 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 placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Springfield, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Springfield, 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. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Springfield, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Springfield, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Springfield, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
