Order of Protection Lawyer St. Joseph, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in St. Joseph, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Joseph, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels 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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 St. Joseph, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in St. Joseph, MO. If you were given an order of protection in St. Joseph, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Joseph, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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 means intentionally 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Joseph, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Joseph, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in St. Joseph, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in St. Joseph and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Joseph, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Joseph, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises 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 at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled 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 St. Joseph, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you deserve amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in St. Joseph, MO, it is vital 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 received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights throughout the St. Joseph, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Joseph, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following 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 drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings 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 comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in St. Joseph, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a variety of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in St. Joseph, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Joseph, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Joseph, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in St. Joseph, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Joseph, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in St. Joseph, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
