Perry County, MO Order of Protection Lawyer
If you received a restraining order in Perry County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Law is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Perry County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs 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 Perry County, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Perry County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Perry 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 achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Perry 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:
- Injuring 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally 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 means or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Perry County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Law: Your Perry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Perry County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Perry County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Perry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Law maintains a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Perry County, MO. All of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- 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 Law as your dedicated Perry County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Perry County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously 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 following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated 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 correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights through the Perry County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Law’s Perry County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Perry County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to 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, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under 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 affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Law understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Perry County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Law be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Law’s Perry County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Law. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step towards securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Perry County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Perry County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Law, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Perry County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.