Order of Protection Lawyer Lewis County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Lewis County, MO you need an experienced 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 highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. 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 has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection 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 alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 Lewis County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Lewis County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Lewis 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 outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lewis County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully engaging 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lewis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Lewis County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lewis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lewis County, MO. All of our clients are entitled 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 leverage this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get 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 each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lewis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Lewis County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering 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 assist protect your rights through the Lewis County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Lewis County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings 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 comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lewis County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that reach 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time 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 facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms under 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Lewis County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Lewis 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 Lewis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Lewis County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lewis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Lewis County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
