Order of Protection Lawyer Crawford County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Crawford 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 established 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 Crawford County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative 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 their alleged abuser. 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 Crawford County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Crawford County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Crawford County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Crawford County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 follow a specific action
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Crawford County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Crawford County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Crawford County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Crawford County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Crawford County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Crawford County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Crawford County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you require 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 Crawford County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect 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 abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, 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 most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights throughout the Crawford County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Crawford County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Crawford County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating 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 banned from possessing 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 placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Crawford County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Crawford 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 Crawford County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Crawford County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Crawford County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Crawford County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
