Order of Protection Lawyer Callaway County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Callaway County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Callaway County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website 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 crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to avoid 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 family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, 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 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 Callaway County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Callaway County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Callaway County, 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 outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Callaway County, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Callaway County, 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 Callaway County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Callaway County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Callaway County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Callaway County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Callaway County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor 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 Callaway County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Callaway County, 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 received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough 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 — Immediately, get in touch with a qualified attorney with a background 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, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and aid protect your rights during the Callaway County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Callaway County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Callaway County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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 limitations 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, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms according to 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 issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Callaway County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Callaway County, MO include:
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Callaway County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Callaway County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Callaway County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Callaway County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
