Order of Protection Lawyer Lexington, MO
If you received a restraining order in Lexington, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lexington, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of people who may be facing risks, 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 petitioner.
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 they person they say abused them. 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 happen within 15 days, the immediate 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 Lexington, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Lexington, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Lexington, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lexington, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating 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 means purposefully 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lexington, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lexington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Lexington, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Lexington and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lexington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lexington, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work 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 Lexington, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you deserve during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Lexington, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and aid safeguard your rights through the Lexington, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Lexington, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift 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 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 tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lexington, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms under federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Lexington, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Lexington, 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
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lexington, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Lexington, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lexington, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Lexington, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
