Order of Protection Lawyer Stone County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Stone County, MO you need an experienced 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 highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Stone County, 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.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to safeguard people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, 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 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 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, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive 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 offers two main 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking 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
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Stone County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Stone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Stone County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient 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 proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Stone County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled 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 craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate 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 feel certain that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Stone County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by 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, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This record can serve as essential 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 essential to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a strong 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 establish the foundation for a solid defense and help protect your rights throughout the Stone County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Stone County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct 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 transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including 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 result in a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms as per 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Stone County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Stone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your defense 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 dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Stone County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
