Order of Protection Lawyer Neosho, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Neosho, 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Neosho, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner 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 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 Neosho, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Neosho, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Neosho, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Neosho, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 leveraging 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Neosho, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Neosho, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Neosho, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Neosho and Missouri order of protection law. As your Neosho, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Neosho, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Neosho, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you need throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Neosho, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights during the Neosho, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Neosho, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- 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 your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Neosho, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Neosho, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Neosho, 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
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Neosho, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Neosho, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Neosho, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Neosho, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
