Order of Protection Lawyer Scott County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Scott County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Scott County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to protect people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to avoid 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
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 they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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 Scott County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Scott County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Scott County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Scott County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately participating 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Scott County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Scott County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Scott County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Scott County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Scott County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Scott County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with deep 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 without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Scott County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Scott County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Scott County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Scott County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt 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 help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Scott County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms according to 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. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Scott County, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Scott County, MO include:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Scott 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 encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Scott County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Scott County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Scott County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
