Order of Protection Lawyer Troy, MO. If you received a restraining order in Troy, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established 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 Troy, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 family member 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 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 Troy, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Troy, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Troy, 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 Troy, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately participating in 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Troy, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Troy, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Troy, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Troy and Missouri order of protection law. As your Troy, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Troy, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced 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, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster 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, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Troy, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the help and advocacy you require throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Troy, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing 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 cause severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed 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 — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights through the Troy, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Troy, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post 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 drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail 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 guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Troy, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Troy, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Troy, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Troy, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Troy, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Troy, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Troy, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
