Order of Protection Lawyer Savannah, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Savannah, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Savannah, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 Savannah, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Savannah, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Savannah, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Savannah, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Savannah, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Savannah, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Savannah, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Savannah and Missouri order of protection law. As your Savannah, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Savannah, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Savannah, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Savannah, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend 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 long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist protect your rights throughout the Savannah, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Savannah, 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 transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Savannah, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of major 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, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause 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, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing 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. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Savannah, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Savannah, 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 Savannah, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Savannah, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Savannah, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Savannah, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
