Order of Protection Lawyer Joplin, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Joplin, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Joplin, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online 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 crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 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 compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 Joplin, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Joplin, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Joplin, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Joplin, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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 means or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Joplin, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Joplin and Missouri order of protection law. As your Joplin, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Joplin, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Joplin, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you deserve during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Joplin, MO, it is crucial 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’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to building 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 avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and assist protect your rights through the Joplin, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Joplin, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. 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 Joplin, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt 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, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing 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 imposed 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 committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Joplin, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Joplin, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Joplin, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Joplin, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
