Order of Protection Lawyer Des Peres, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s professional Des Peres, MO order of protection defense lawyers are trusted and esteemed criminal defense attorneys dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals who have been served with a restraining order. With a impressive 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 Des Peres, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free 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 …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, 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 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 Des Peres, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Des Peres, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Des Peres, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Des Peres, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger 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
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Des Peres, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Des Peres, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Des Peres, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Des Peres and Missouri order of protection law. As your Des Peres, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Des Peres, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Des Peres, 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 challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Des Peres, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend 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 concur with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard 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 caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the Des Peres, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Des Peres, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative 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 tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Des Peres, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms under federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Des Peres, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Des Peres, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Des Peres, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Des Peres, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Des Peres, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Des Peres, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
