Order of Protection Lawyer Taney County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Taney County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Taney County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 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 petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Taney County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests 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 as soon as possible 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 Taney County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Taney County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’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 should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable 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 boasts a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Taney County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth 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 offer an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce 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 rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting 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 Taney County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as 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 comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid safeguard your rights through 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 vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Taney County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a variety of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms as per 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Taney County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Taney County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Taney County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Taney County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait 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.
