Order of Protection Lawyer Hillsboro, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Hillsboro, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. 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 Hillsboro, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 is issued 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 Hillsboro, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Hillsboro, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Hillsboro, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Hillsboro, 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as following, 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 Hillsboro, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Hillsboro, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Hillsboro, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Hillsboro and Missouri order of protection law. As your Hillsboro, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Hillsboro, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story heard 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 utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Hillsboro, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you need amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Hillsboro, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant 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 has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights throughout the Hillsboro, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Hillsboro, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Hillsboro, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms according to 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Hillsboro, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
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. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Hillsboro, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Hillsboro, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Hillsboro, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
