Order of Protection Lawyer Florissant, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Florissant, 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 to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Florissant, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to abstain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current family member 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 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 happen 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 Florissant, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Florissant, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Florissant, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Florissant, 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Florissant, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Florissant, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Florissant, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Florissant and Missouri order of protection law. As your Florissant, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Florissant, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Florissant, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting 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 Florissant, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- 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 agree with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the Florissant, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Florissant, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Florissant, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Florissant, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Florissant, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Florissant, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in Florissant, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Florissant, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Florissant, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
