Arnold, MO Order of Protection Lawyer
If you received a restraining order in Arnold, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Law 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 Arnold, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain 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 relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 Arnold, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Arnold, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Arnold, MO, get in touch with Combs Law 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 Arnold, 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully participating 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Arnold, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Law: Your Arnold, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Arnold, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Arnold and Missouri order of protection law. As your Arnold, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Law boasts a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Arnold, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Law as your dedicated Arnold, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Arnold, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable 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 has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights during the Arnold, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Law’s Arnold, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps after 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 detail 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 hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Arnold, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating 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 forbidden from owning firearms according to 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Law understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Arnold, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Law be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Law’s Arnold, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Law. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Arnold, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Arnold, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Law, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Arnold, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.