Order of Protection Lawyer Howell County, MO
If you received a restraining order in Howell 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 highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howell County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 tool designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Howell 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 Howell County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Howell County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Howell 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 employing threats to pressure 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Howell County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Howell County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Howell County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Howell County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Howell County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Howell County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, review 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 hear the full version of every angle 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 agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Howell County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, getting the support 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 Howell County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Howell County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Howell County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at 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 consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Howell County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Howell County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Howell 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 Howell County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Howell County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Howell County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Howell County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
