Order of Protection Lawyer Lake St. Louis, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Lake St. Louis, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused 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 household member.
If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs 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 Lake St. Louis, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Lake St. Louis, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Lake St. Louis, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Lake St. Louis, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking 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
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Lake St. Louis, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Lake St. Louis, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Lake St. Louis and Missouri order of protection law. As your Lake St. Louis, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Lake St. Louis, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story heard 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 formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Lake St. Louis, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Lake St. Louis, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights through the Lake St. Louis, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Lake St. Louis, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lake St. Louis, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 becomes subject to 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. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Lake St. Louis, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lake St. Louis, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over 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 ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Lake St. Louis, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side through the legal journey, offering resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in Lake St. Louis, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
