Order of Protection Lawyer Kirkwood, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Kirkwood, MO you need a skilled 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 defense 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 reach out to us online for a no-cost 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 measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines 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 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.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Kirkwood, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Kirkwood, 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 achieve the best possible outcome in 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Kirkwood, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing 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 deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Kirkwood and Missouri order of protection law. As your Kirkwood, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- 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. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of 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 specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen 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 rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you require amidst 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 crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and aid defend your rights through the Kirkwood, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Kirkwood, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps after 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Kirkwood, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a range of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing 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 forbidden from possessing firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in Kirkwood, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Kirkwood, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Kirkwood, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Kirkwood, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in Kirkwood, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
