Order of Protection Lawyer Ladue, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Ladue, 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 established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ladue, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is 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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 Ladue, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Ladue, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Ladue, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte 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 Ladue, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 utilizing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully participating in 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ladue, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ladue, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Ladue, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Ladue and Missouri order of protection law. As your Ladue, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ladue, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises 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 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, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will hear 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 talented negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Ladue, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you require during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Ladue, 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 thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights throughout the Ladue, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Ladue, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Ladue, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Ladue, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Ladue, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ladue, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Ladue, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ladue, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Ladue, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
