Order of Protection Lawyer Miller County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Miller County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Miller County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting threats, 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 is a victim of 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 provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim 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 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 Miller 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 Miller County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Miller County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Miller 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Miller County, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Miller County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Miller County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Miller County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Miller County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Miller County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving vital evidence to strengthen 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 offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Miller County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Miller County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a strong defense and help defend your rights during the Miller County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Miller County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Miller County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Miller County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending 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 – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Miller 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 Miller County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Miller County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Miller County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Miller County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
