Clayton, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Clayton, MO

If you received a restraining order in Clayton, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clayton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 essential legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.

If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 occur 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 Clayton, MO judge thinks you are.

It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Clayton, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Clayton, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Clayton, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel 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 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device

Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Clayton, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Clayton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

When you are facing an order of protection in Clayton, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Clayton and Missouri order of protection law. As your Clayton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Clayton, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard 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 design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Clayton, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in competent hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you need during this difficult time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

If served with an order of protection in Clayton, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect 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 adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including arrest.
Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a robust defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.

Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and assist protect your rights throughout the Clayton, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Clayton, 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 unfold:

Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Clayton, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can cause a range of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The foremost 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 be 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 facing an order of protection may be banned from owning 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Clayton, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

Other cases we take on in Clayton, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Clayton, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now

In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we highly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.

To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Clayton, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Clayton, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Clayton, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.