California, MO Order of Protection Lawyer
Combs Law’s dedicated California, MO order of protection defense lawyers are trusted and esteemed criminal defense attorneys dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals who have been served with a restraining order. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Law 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 California, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
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 take place 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 California, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in California, MO. If you were given an order of protection in California, MO, get in touch with Combs Law as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in California, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully participating 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in California, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Law: Your California, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in California, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in California and Missouri order of protection law. As your California, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Law boasts a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in California, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep 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 extend an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over 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 get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Law as your dedicated California, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in California, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and assist protect your rights during the California, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Law’s California, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in California, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a range of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with 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 restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Law understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in California, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Law be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Law’s California, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Law. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in California, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in California, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Law, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us today to talk about your order of protection case in California, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.