Order of Protection Lawyer Ladue, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert Ladue, MO order of protection defense lawyers are trusted and esteemed criminal defense attorneys dedicated to safeguarding the rights and interests of individuals who have been served with a restraining order. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ladue, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Legal Videos
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Can I get a restraining order removed from my record?
Can you get an order of protection or restraining order removed from your record in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss if a restraining order stays on your record permanently or if …
Potential for Emotional Manipulation in Missouri Order of Protection Cases
Order of protection cases in Missouri aim to safeguard individuals from harm, but there is potential for emotional manipulation that can complicate outcomes. Some may exaggerate or fabricate abuse …
Why You Need an Order of Protection Defense Lawyer in Missouri
Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discusses the importance of having an attorney for an Order of Protection defense. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to …
Challenges of Getting an Order of Protection Dismissed
What are the challenges of getting an order of Protection dismissed in Missouri? An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal measure to protect individuals from domestic violence or harassment in …
Do I Need a Lawyer For A Restraining Order?
Do you need a lawyer or attorney for a restraining order or an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte discuss why you should hire an attorney if you have been served with …
What To Do After Being Served With An Order of Protection
What should you do immediately after being served with an order of protection in Missouri? Chris Combs and Steve Waterkotte of Combs Waterkotte Criminal Defense Law Firm discuss what you need to do …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to ensure the safety of people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It is 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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can issue 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 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 Ladue, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Ladue, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Ladue, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 Ladue, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately participating in 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ladue, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ladue, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Ladue, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Ladue and Missouri order of protection law. As your Ladue, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ladue, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Ladue, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Ladue, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to building 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 steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights through the Ladue, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Ladue, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps post 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 drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Ladue, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a variety of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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 limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms under 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Ladue, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Ladue, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ladue, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Ladue, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ladue, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in Ladue, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
