Order of Protection Lawyer Perry County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Perry 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Perry County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to protect people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued document–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 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 “good cause”, 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 is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Perry County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Perry County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Perry County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Perry County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Perry County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Perry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Perry County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Perry County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Perry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Perry County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced 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 free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Perry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the help and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Perry County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving 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 knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid safeguard your rights throughout the Perry County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Perry County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt 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 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. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Perry County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially 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, including limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking 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 banned 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.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Perry County, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Perry 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
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Perry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Perry County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Perry County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Perry County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
