Order of Protection Lawyer Union, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Union, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Union, 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 crucial legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals 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 alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Union, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Union, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Union, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Union, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 implies deliberately 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Union, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Union, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Union, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Union and Missouri order of protection law. As your Union, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Union, MO. All of our clients have a right 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 utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Union, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance 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 Union, MO, it is vital 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 received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Union, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Union, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate 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 drafting 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 associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Union, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking 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 having firearms according to 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Union, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to safeguarding 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 – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Union, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Union, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Union, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Union, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to go over your order of protection case in Union, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
