Order of Protection Lawyer Liberty, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Liberty, 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Liberty, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of people 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 petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Liberty, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Liberty, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Liberty, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Liberty, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately undertaking 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Liberty, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Liberty, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Liberty, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Liberty and Missouri order of protection law. As your Liberty, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Liberty, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Liberty, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you require throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Liberty, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights through the Liberty, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Liberty, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure 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 Liberty, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Liberty, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Liberty, 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 Liberty, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require 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 discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Liberty, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Liberty, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in Liberty, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
