Order of Protection Lawyer Warren County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Warren County, MO you need a skilled 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 Warren County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 family member or someone who lives with them.
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 alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Warren County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Warren County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Warren County, 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 Warren 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally participating in 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
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Warren County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Warren County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Warren County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Warren County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Warren County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Warren County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Warren County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you deserve amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Warren County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. 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 best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Warren County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Warren County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Warren County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 cause 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 cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under 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 is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Warren County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Warren 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 Warren County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Warren County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Warren County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Warren County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
