Order of Protection Lawyer Des Peres, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Des Peres, MO you need an experienced 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 defense 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 reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to safeguard individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires 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 alleged victim 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 take place 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.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Des Peres, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Des Peres, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 presents 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 physical harm
- 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 purposefully 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 tracking, 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 Des Peres, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Des Peres, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Des Peres, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced 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 proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Des Peres, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable 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 assistance and advocacy you deserve during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Des Peres, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, like 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 has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights during the Des Peres, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Des Peres, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Des Peres, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a spectrum of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints 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, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from having 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Des Peres, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Des Peres, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Des Peres, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Des Peres, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Des Peres, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
