Order of Protection Lawyer Plattsburg, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Plattsburg, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost 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 essential legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 determines there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued 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 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 Plattsburg, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Plattsburg, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Plattsburg, MO, get in touch with 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 Plattsburg, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force 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 intentionally 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Plattsburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Plattsburg, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Plattsburg and Missouri order of protection law. As your Plattsburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Plattsburg, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving essential evidence to bolster 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 provide resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Plattsburg, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you deserve amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Plattsburg, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Plattsburg, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Plattsburg, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate 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 detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances 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 comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Plattsburg, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms under 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Plattsburg, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Plattsburg, 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 Plattsburg, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Plattsburg, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Plattsburg, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Plattsburg, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
