Order of Protection Lawyer Taney County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Taney 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 established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Taney County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain from 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 someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Taney County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Taney County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Taney County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Taney County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately participating in 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Taney County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Taney County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Taney County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Taney County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Taney County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Taney County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Taney County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, receiving the help and advocacy you deserve amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Taney County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard 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 agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights during the Taney County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Taney County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 depict your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Taney County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Taney County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Taney County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Taney County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Taney County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Taney County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Taney County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
