Order of Protection Lawyer Florissant, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Florissant, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven 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 reach out to us online for a complimentary 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 vital legal tool designed to protect people who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Florissant, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 Florissant, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means deliberately undertaking 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the guidance 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 followed correctly 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 should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Florissant and Missouri order of protection law. As your Florissant, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Florissant, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled 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 Florissant, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this tough 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 imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid safeguard your rights during the Florissant, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Florissant, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances 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
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Florissant, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can be 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 facing an order of protection may be banned from having 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Florissant, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Florissant, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Florissant, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
