Order of Protection Lawyer Kirkwood, MO. If you received a restraining order in Kirkwood, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Kirkwood, 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 critical legal tool designed to safeguard individuals who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. 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 happen 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 Kirkwood, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Kirkwood, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Kirkwood, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Kirkwood, 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- 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 intentionally undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger 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 Kirkwood, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Kirkwood, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Kirkwood, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Kirkwood and Missouri order of protection law. As your Kirkwood, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Kirkwood, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story shared 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 leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Kirkwood, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you need during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Kirkwood, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough 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 — Immediately, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, including 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, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights through the Kirkwood, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Kirkwood, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Kirkwood, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a range of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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 associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from having firearms according to 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 placed on 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 need knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Kirkwood, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Kirkwood, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Kirkwood, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Kirkwood, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Kirkwood, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to go over your order of protection case in Kirkwood, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
