Order of Protection Lawyer Maries County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Maries County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Maries County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting threats, 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 has suffered from 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 determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. 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 Maries County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Maries County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Maries County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Maries County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main 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 utilizing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or participating 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 purposefully 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Maries County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Maries County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Maries County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Maries County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Maries County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Maries County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate 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 crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Maries County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Maries County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee 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.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Maries County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Maries County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After 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 aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee 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 Maries County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms under 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. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Maries County, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Maries 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 Maries County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Maries County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Maries County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Maries County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
