Order of Protection Lawyer Cottleville, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Cottleville, MO you need a skilled 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 defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cottleville, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary 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 crucial legal tool designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to avoid 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 restraining 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 petitioner 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 occur 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 Cottleville, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Cottleville, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Cottleville, MO, get in touch with 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 Cottleville, 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or participating 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 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
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Cottleville, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Cottleville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Cottleville, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Cottleville and Missouri order of protection law. As your Cottleville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Cottleville, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost 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 assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Cottleville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Cottleville, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong 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 lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights during the Cottleville, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Cottleville, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Cottleville, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with 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, 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, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Cottleville, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Cottleville, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Cottleville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Cottleville, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Cottleville, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Cottleville, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
