Order of Protection Lawyer Ladue, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Ladue, MO you need a skilled 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 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 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 called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to protect people who may be facing dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to refrain from 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 family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim 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 occur within 15 days, the order of 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.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Ladue, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Ladue, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Ladue, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully participating 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ladue, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ladue, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Ladue, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in Ladue and Missouri order of protection law. As your Ladue, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ladue, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced 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 provide an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving 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, receiving the support and advocacy you deserve amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Ladue, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Ladue, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Ladue, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Ladue, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a range of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the enforced restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms as per 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Ladue, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ladue, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we highly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Ladue, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ladue, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, providing resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Ladue, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
