Order of Protection Lawyer West Plains, MO. If you received a restraining order in West Plains, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in West Plains, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to abstain 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 restraining 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 provide 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 West Plains, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in West Plains, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in West Plains, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in West Plains, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in West Plains, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your West Plains, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in West Plains, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in West Plains and Missouri order of protection law. As your West Plains, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in West Plains, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep 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 offer 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 helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated West Plains, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in West Plains, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and aid safeguard your rights through the West Plains, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s West Plains, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital 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 related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in West Plains, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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 — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in West Plains, MO and is dedicated to reducing 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. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in West Plains, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s West Plains, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in West Plains, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in West Plains, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to go over your order of protection case in West Plains, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
