Order of Protection Lawyer Springfield, MO. If you received a restraining order in Springfield, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Springfield, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks 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 abused them. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Springfield, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Springfield, MO. If you were served with 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 obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Springfield, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 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 engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Springfield, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Springfield, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Springfield, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Springfield and Missouri order of protection law. As your Springfield, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Springfield, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce 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 be confident that you are in capable hands, receiving the help and advocacy you deserve throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Springfield, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in 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, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Springfield, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Springfield, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital 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 side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Springfield, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Springfield, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Springfield, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Springfield, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Springfield, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Springfield, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Springfield, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
