Order of Protection Lawyer Union, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Union, 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 highly successful legal 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 reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, 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 is issued 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.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Union, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Union, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Union, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- 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 means purposefully 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Union, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Union, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Union, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept 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 history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Union, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen 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 feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you deserve 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 Union, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights throughout the Union, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Union, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt 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 preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Union, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a variety of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Union, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Union, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Union, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Union, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, offering resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Union, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
