Order of Protection Lawyer Putnam County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Putnam County, 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 defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Putnam County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
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 family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Putnam County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Putnam County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Putnam County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Putnam 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to comply
- Harassment, or engaging 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 implies 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Putnam County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Putnam County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Putnam County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Putnam County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Putnam County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Putnam County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Putnam County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you require amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Putnam County, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed 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 — Promptly, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights throughout the Putnam County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Putnam County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift 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 help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Putnam County, MO, Missouri
Confronting 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 imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Putnam County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Putnam 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 Putnam County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Putnam County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Putnam County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in Putnam County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.