Order of Protection Lawyer Union, MO. If you received a restraining order in Union, 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 highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Union, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
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 relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide 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 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 Union, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Union, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Union, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Union, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or taking part 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 means purposefully participating in 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Union, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately 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 need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Union and Missouri order of protection law. As your Union, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Union, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering 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 mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Union, 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 amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Union, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the other party. 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. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights through the Union, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered 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 vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Union, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a range of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting 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, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from having 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 need knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Union, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have 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
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we highly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Union, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Union, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Union, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
