Order of Protection Lawyer Town and Country, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Town and Country, 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 effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Town and Country, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can issue 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 Town and Country, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Town and Country, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Town and Country, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Town and Country, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to comply
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Town and Country, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Town and Country, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Town and Country, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Town and Country and Missouri order of protection law. As your Town and Country, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Town and Country, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate 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 assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Town and Country, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you require 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 Town and Country, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with 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 accept everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist protect your rights during the Town and Country, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Town and Country, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. 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 Town and Country, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms under 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Town and Country, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Town and Country, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Town and Country, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Town and Country, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Town and Country, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
