Order of Protection Lawyer Boonville, MO
If you received a restraining order in Boonville, MO you need a knowledgeable 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Boonville, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website 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 critical legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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 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 Boonville, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Boonville, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Boonville, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Boonville, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 force a person to act in a certain way
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging in 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Boonville, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Boonville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Boonville, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Boonville and Missouri order of protection law. As your Boonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Boonville, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Boonville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you require throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Boonville, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give 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 includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights throughout the Boonville, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Boonville, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances 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 comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Boonville, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with 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, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms as per federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Boonville, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Boonville, MO include:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Boonville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Boonville, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Boonville, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Boonville, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
