Order of Protection Lawyer St. Louis County, MO. If you received a restraining order in St. Louis County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Legal Videos
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to protect people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of 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 compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. 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 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 St. Louis County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in St. Louis County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Louis County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Louis County, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to comply
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally undertaking 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 medium or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Louis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in St. Louis County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in St. Louis County and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Louis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Louis County, MO. Every single one 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 leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Louis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you require amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in St. Louis County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the St. Louis County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps after 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 preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. 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 St. Louis County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms according to 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in St. Louis County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Louis County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in St. Louis County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in St. Louis County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
