Order of Protection Lawyer Poplar Bluff, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Poplar Bluff, 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Poplar Bluff, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free 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 essential legal instrument designed to protect people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs 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 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 Poplar Bluff, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Poplar Bluff, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Poplar Bluff, MO, reach out to 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 Poplar Bluff, 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Poplar Bluff, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Poplar Bluff, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Poplar Bluff, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Poplar Bluff and Missouri order of protection law. As your Poplar Bluff, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Poplar Bluff, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept 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 Poplar Bluff, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Poplar Bluff, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by 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 cause severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights through the Poplar Bluff, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Poplar Bluff, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Poplar Bluff, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause 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 lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms under 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Poplar Bluff, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Poplar Bluff, 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 Poplar Bluff, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Poplar Bluff, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Poplar Bluff, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Poplar Bluff, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
