Order of Protection Lawyer Glendale, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Glendale, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. 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 Glendale, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued 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 Glendale, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Glendale, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Glendale, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Glendale, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Glendale, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Glendale, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Glendale, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Glendale and Missouri order of protection law. As your Glendale, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Glendale, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough 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, answer your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Glendale, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in competent hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Glendale, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard 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 long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning 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, contact a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the Glendale, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Glendale, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Glendale, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms as per 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Glendale, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Glendale, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Glendale, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Glendale, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Glendale, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
