Order of Protection Lawyer Platte County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Platte 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Platte County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain 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 someone who lives with them.
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 is a risk. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t occur within 15 days, the immediate 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 Platte County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Platte County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Platte 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 secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Platte County, 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to comply
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Platte County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Platte County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Platte County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Platte County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Platte County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Platte County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- 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 Platte County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Platte County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Platte County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Platte County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid 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. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Platte County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Platte County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into 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 champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Platte County, MO include:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Platte County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Platte County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Platte County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Platte County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
