Order of Protection Lawyer Warrenton, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Warrenton, 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 defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Warrenton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 essential legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to refrain from 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines 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 Warrenton, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Warrenton, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Warrenton, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Warrenton, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Warrenton, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Warrenton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Warrenton, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Warrenton and Missouri order of protection law. As your Warrenton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Warrenton, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Warrenton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the help and advocacy you require throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Warrenton, MO, it is crucial 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. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights through the Warrenton, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Warrenton, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct 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 occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail 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. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Warrenton, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting 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 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, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Warrenton, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring 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 representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Warrenton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Warrenton, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Warrenton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Warrenton, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
