Lake St. Louis, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Lake St. Louis, MO

If you were served with a restraining order in Lake St. Louis, 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 effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost 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 vital legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to avoid 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 family member or someone who lives with them.

If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs 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 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.

It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Lake St. Louis, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Lake St. Louis, MO, contact 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 Lake St. Louis, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 act in a certain way
- 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 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device

Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.

Combs Waterkotte: Your Lake St. Louis, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

When you are facing an order of protection in Lake St. Louis, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned 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 provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains 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 presented in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We offer 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 helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of every angle of the story.
Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen 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 rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require throughout this tough time.

What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection

Immediate Actions

If served with an order of protection in Lake St. Louis, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, like criminal charges.
Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to building a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.

Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and assist defend your rights through the Lake St. Louis, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Lake St. Louis, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:

Filing a response — Your attorney will help 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Lake St. Louis, MO, Missouri

Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated 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 spend time with.
Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms under 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows 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 seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

Other cases we take on in Lake St. Louis, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Lake St. Louis, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today

If you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.

To begin the preliminary step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in Lake St. Louis, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Lake St. Louis, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Lake St. Louis, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.