Order of Protection Lawyer Chesterfield, MO
If you received a restraining order in Chesterfield, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Chesterfield, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide 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 a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t take place 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 Chesterfield, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Chesterfield, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Chesterfield, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Chesterfield, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Chesterfield, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Chesterfield, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Chesterfield, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Chesterfield and Missouri order of protection law. As your Chesterfield, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Chesterfield, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Chesterfield, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Chesterfield, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Chesterfield, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Chesterfield, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Chesterfield, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential 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 under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Chesterfield, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Chesterfield, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Chesterfield, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Chesterfield, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Chesterfield, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
