Order of Protection Lawyer Fayette, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Fayette, 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Fayette, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 vital legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders 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 family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide 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 occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Fayette, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Fayette, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Fayette, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Fayette, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to comply
- Harassment, or engaging 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 intentionally participating 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Fayette, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Fayette, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Fayette, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Fayette and Missouri order of protection law. As your Fayette, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Fayette, 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 experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Fayette, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you deserve during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Fayette, 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 meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Fayette, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Fayette, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Fayette, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Fayette, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Fayette, 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 Fayette, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Fayette, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Fayette, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Fayette, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
