Order of Protection Lawyer Warren County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Warren County, 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 proven 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 Warren County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to abstain 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. 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 Warren County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Warren County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Warren County, 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 obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Warren County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Warren County, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Warren County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Warren County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Warren County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Warren County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Warren County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned 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 provide an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Warren County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in competent hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Warren County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist protect your rights during the Warren County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Warren County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting 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. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Warren County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a range of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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, like limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms as per 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Warren County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to safeguarding 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 – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Warren County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Warren County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Warren County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Warren County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
