Order of Protection Lawyer Jasper County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Jasper County, 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 established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jasper County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused 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 order of protection 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 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 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 Jasper County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Jasper County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Jasper County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Jasper County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force 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 means deliberately engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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 intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Jasper County, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Jasper County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Jasper County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Jasper County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Jasper County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Jasper County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Jasper County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving 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 Jasper County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights during the Jasper County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Jasper County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once 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 aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Jasper County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms according to 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. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Jasper County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Jasper County, 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 Jasper County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or seek 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 opportunity to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Jasper County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jasper County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Jasper County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
