Order of Protection Lawyer Carrollton, MO
If you received a restraining order in Carrollton, 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 effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Carrollton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to protect people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires 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 family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can issue 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 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 Carrollton, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Carrollton, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Carrollton, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Carrollton, 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure 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 purposefully 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Carrollton, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Carrollton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Carrollton, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Carrollton and Missouri order of protection law. As your Carrollton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Carrollton, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Carrollton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Carrollton, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the Carrollton, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Carrollton, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged 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, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Carrollton, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that reach 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 have in common 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 — Breaking 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 prohibited from having firearms according to 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 lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Carrollton, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Carrollton, 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 Carrollton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Carrollton, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Carrollton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Carrollton, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
