Bowling Green, MO Order of Protection Lawyer
If you were served with a restraining order in Bowling Green, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Law is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Bowling Green, 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 known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires 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 has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, 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 Bowling Green, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Bowling Green, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Bowling Green, MO, reach out to Combs Law immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Bowling Green, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging 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 medium or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Bowling Green, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Law: Your Bowling Green, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Bowling Green, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Bowling Green and Missouri order of protection law. As your Bowling Green, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Law maintains a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Bowling Green, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve 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 tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- 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 Bowling Green, 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 deserve amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Bowling Green, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights through the Bowling Green, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Law’s Bowling Green, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Bowling Green, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially 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, such as constraints 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, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing 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 issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Law knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Bowling Green, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Law be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Law’s Bowling Green, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Law. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Bowling Green, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Bowling Green, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Law, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Bowling Green, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.