Order of Protection Lawyer Stone County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert Stone County, 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 Stone County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders 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 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 they person they say abused them. 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 happen 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 Stone County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Stone County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Stone County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Stone County, 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Stone County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Stone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Stone County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Stone County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Stone County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Stone County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth 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 offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Stone County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you deserve 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 Stone County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully 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, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights through the Stone County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Stone County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Stone County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from owning 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 issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Stone County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to safeguarding 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 – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Stone County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Stone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Stone County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Stone County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, offering resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Stone County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
