Carroll County, MO Order of Protection Lawyer
Combs Law’s professional Carroll County, 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 impressive track record of excellence, Combs Law is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Carroll County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting risks, 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 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 family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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 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 Carroll County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Carroll County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Carroll County, 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 obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Carroll County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure 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 confining 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Carroll County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Law: Your Carroll County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Carroll County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Carroll County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Carroll County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Law maintains a consistent history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Carroll County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Law as your dedicated Carroll County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands, receiving the support and advocacy you require throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Carroll County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined 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 related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid defend your rights throughout the Carroll County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Law’s Carroll County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Carroll County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Law understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Carroll County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Law be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Law’s Carroll County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Law. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Carroll County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Carroll County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Law, we are focused on supporting you through the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Carroll County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.