Order of Protection Lawyer Stone County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Stone County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. 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 Stone County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free 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 protect people who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can provide 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 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 Stone County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Stone County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Stone County, MO, reach out to 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 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 compel a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating 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 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Stone County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Stone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Stone County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept 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 maintains a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Stone County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story heard 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 leverage this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Stone County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Stone County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect 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 ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid safeguard your rights through the Stone County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Stone County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged 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
- Approval or rejection 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
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is under 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 result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Stone County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for 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 Stone County, MO include:
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Stone County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Stone County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Stone County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, providing resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Stone County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
