Order of Protection Lawyer Newton County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Newton 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 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 Newton County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free 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 vital legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires 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 has suffered from 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 evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, 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 Newton 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 Newton County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Newton County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Newton 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking 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 medium or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Newton County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Newton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Newton County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Newton County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Newton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Newton County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work 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 Newton County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you deserve throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Newton 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’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and help protect your rights during the Newton County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Newton County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your legal strategy.
- 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 heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Newton County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from possessing 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Newton County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Newton 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 Newton County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If 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. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Newton County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Newton County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Newton County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
