Order of Protection Lawyer Washington, MO. If you received a restraining order in Washington, 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Washington, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at 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 violence from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 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 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 their alleged abuser. 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 Washington, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Washington, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Washington, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Washington, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately undertaking 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” including tracking, 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 Washington, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Washington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Washington, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Washington and Missouri order of protection law. As your Washington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Washington, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Washington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Washington, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend 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 agree with everything it says, knowing 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 specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant 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 comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights during the Washington, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Washington, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps following 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 outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Washington, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Washington, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Washington, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Washington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Washington, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Washington, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Washington, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
