Order of Protection Lawyer Clark County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Clark 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 impressive 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 Clark County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary 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 vital legal tool designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to abstain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide 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 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 Clark County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Clark County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Clark County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Clark County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Clark County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Clark County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Clark County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Clark County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Clark County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Clark County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Clark County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you deserve amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Clark 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 carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights during the Clark County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Clark County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at 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 consists of:
- 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 Clark County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a range of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from owning firearms as per federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Clark County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Clark 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 Clark County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Clark County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clark County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Clark County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
