Order of Protection Lawyer Troy, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Troy, 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Troy, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary 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 crucial legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of 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 alleged victim and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Troy, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Troy, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Troy, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Troy, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two chief 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- 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 undertaking 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance 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 correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Troy, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Troy, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough 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 securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Troy, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Troy, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you deserve throughout this tough 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 imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following 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, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning 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 — Immediately, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights throughout the Troy, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Troy, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard 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 Troy, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing 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 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 seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Troy, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Troy, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Troy, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Troy, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Troy, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
