Order of Protection Lawyer Harrison County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Harrison 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 proven 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 Harrison County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain 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 family member 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 alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Harrison County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Harrison County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Harrison County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Harrison County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force 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 means purposefully engaging 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrison County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Harrison County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Harrison County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Harrison County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Harrison County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Harrison County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Harrison County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, receiving the support and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Harrison County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as vital 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. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights during the Harrison County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Harrison County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Harrison County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced 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 associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking 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 prohibited from having firearms as per 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. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Harrison County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Harrison 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 Harrison County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Harrison County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Harrison County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Harrison County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
