Order of Protection Lawyer Ballwin, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Ballwin, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte 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 Ballwin, 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.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 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 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 Ballwin, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Ballwin, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Ballwin, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Ballwin, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two chief 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to comply
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining 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 medium or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ballwin, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ballwin, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Ballwin, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Ballwin and Missouri order of protection law. As your Ballwin, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ballwin, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Ballwin, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, receiving the help and advocacy you deserve during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Ballwin, MO, it is imperative 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. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee 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.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the Ballwin, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Ballwin, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure 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 Ballwin, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from having firearms as per 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 issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Ballwin, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to protecting 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 – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ballwin, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Ballwin, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ballwin, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Ballwin, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
