Order of Protection Lawyer Creve Coeur, MO
If you received a restraining order in Creve Coeur, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Creve Coeur, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to protect people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain 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 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 justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner 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 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 Creve Coeur, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Creve Coeur, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Creve Coeur, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Creve Coeur, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Creve Coeur, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Creve Coeur, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Creve Coeur, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Creve Coeur and Missouri order of protection law. As your Creve Coeur, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Creve Coeur, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Creve Coeur, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Creve Coeur, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights through the Creve Coeur, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Creve Coeur, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings 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 Creve Coeur, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to 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, like limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms under 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 placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Creve Coeur, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Creve Coeur, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Creve Coeur, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Creve Coeur, MO today 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, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Creve Coeur, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
