Des Peres, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Des Peres, MO

If you received a restraining order in Des Peres, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Des Peres, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary 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 individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain from 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 family member or household member.

If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, 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 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 Des Peres, MO judge thinks you are.

At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Des Peres, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Des Peres, 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 resolution to 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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 implies deliberately engaging in 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device

Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Des Peres, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Des Peres, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

When you are facing an order of protection in Des Peres, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Des Peres and Missouri order of protection law. As your Des Peres, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Des Peres, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, review 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 is ignored and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.

By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Des Peres, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you deserve during this challenging time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

Whenever served with an order of protection in Des Peres, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard 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 guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to building a strong defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing 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 help 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

After taking swift 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 aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Des Peres, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially 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, such as constraints 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, including arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms according to 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Des Peres, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate 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

If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Des Peres, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Des Peres, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in Des Peres, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.