Order of Protection Lawyer Daviess County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Daviess County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. 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 Daviess County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain 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 relative 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 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 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 Daviess County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Daviess County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Daviess County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Daviess County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force 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 participating 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Daviess County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Daviess County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Daviess County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Daviess County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Daviess County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Daviess County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Daviess County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Daviess County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the Daviess County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Daviess County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative 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 outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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 Daviess County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited 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 severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Daviess County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Daviess County, MO include:
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Daviess County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly 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 open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Daviess County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Daviess County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, giving unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Daviess County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
