Order of Protection Lawyer Rolla, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Rolla, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Rolla, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 Rolla, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Rolla, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Rolla, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Rolla, 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Rolla, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Rolla, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Rolla, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Rolla and Missouri order of protection law. As your Rolla, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Rolla, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Rolla, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in competent hands, receiving the help and advocacy you need 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 Rolla, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and aid protect your rights during the Rolla, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Rolla, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt 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 assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Rolla, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a spectrum of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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 be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms as per 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Rolla, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Rolla, 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 Rolla, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Rolla, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Rolla, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Rolla, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
