Order of Protection Lawyer Henry County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Henry County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Henry County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free 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 essential legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 Henry County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Henry County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Henry County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Henry County, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging 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
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Henry County, 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 Henry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Henry County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Henry County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Henry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Henry County, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve 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 design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Henry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Henry County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by 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 interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help protect your rights during the Henry County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Henry County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon 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 aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Henry County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations 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 facing an order of protection may be banned 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Henry County, MO and is committed to lessening 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 traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Henry County, MO include:
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Henry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Henry County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Henry County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Henry County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
