Order of Protection Lawyer Johnson County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Johnson County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. 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 Johnson County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator 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 justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 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 Johnson County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Johnson County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Johnson County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Johnson County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- 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 purposefully engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Johnson County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Johnson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Johnson County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Johnson County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Johnson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Johnson County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify 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 unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Johnson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in competent hands, receiving the help and advocacy you need throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Johnson County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights throughout the Johnson County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Johnson County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Johnson County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Johnson County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Johnson 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 Johnson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Johnson County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Johnson County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website 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 hesitate to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Johnson County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
