Order of Protection Lawyer Franklin County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Franklin 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 legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Franklin 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 critical legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders 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 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 justifiable reason, 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Franklin County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Franklin County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Franklin County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Franklin County, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully participating in 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Franklin County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Franklin County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Franklin County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Franklin County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Franklin County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Franklin County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees 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 works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Franklin County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Franklin County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights through the Franklin County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Franklin County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in 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 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 Franklin County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms according to 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Franklin County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending 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 – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Franklin 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 Franklin County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Franklin County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Franklin County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Franklin County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
