Order of Protection Lawyer Warrensburg, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Warrensburg, 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Warrensburg, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to protect people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Warrensburg, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Warrensburg, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Warrensburg, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Warrensburg, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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 purposefully 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Warrensburg, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Warrensburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Warrensburg, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Warrensburg and Missouri order of protection law. As your Warrensburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Warrensburg, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared 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 leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Warrensburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you need amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Warrensburg, 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 carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee 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 — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights through the Warrensburg, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Warrensburg, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following 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 outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Warrensburg, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms under 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. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Warrensburg, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Warrensburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Warrensburg, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Warrensburg, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Warrensburg, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
