Order of Protection Lawyer Troy, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional Troy, 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 proven 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 Troy, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost 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 essential legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator 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 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 their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Troy, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Troy, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Troy, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Troy, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Troy, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Troy, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Troy, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Troy and Missouri order of protection law. As your Troy, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Troy, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design 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, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Troy, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Troy, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any communication, 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 — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and aid safeguard your rights during the Troy, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Troy, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Troy, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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 limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from having firearms under 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Troy, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Troy, 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 Troy, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Troy, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Troy, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to go over your order of protection case in Troy, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
