Order of Protection Lawyer Shelby County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Shelby County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Shelby County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary 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 ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, 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 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 Shelby County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Shelby County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Shelby County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Shelby County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Shelby County, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Shelby County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Shelby County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Shelby County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Shelby County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Shelby County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Shelby County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you require during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Shelby 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 meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including 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, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist protect your rights throughout the Shelby County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Shelby County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Shelby County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Shelby County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Shelby County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Shelby County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Shelby County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
