Order of Protection Lawyer Meramec, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Meramec, MO you need an experienced 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 defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Meramec, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
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 is a risk. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 Meramec, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Meramec, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Meramec, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Meramec, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two primary 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Meramec, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Meramec, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Meramec, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Meramec and Missouri order of protection law. As your Meramec, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Meramec, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Meramec, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in trustworthy hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Meramec, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights during the Meramec, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Meramec, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate 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 preparing 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Meramec, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a spectrum of major consequences that go 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, notably 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 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, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms as per 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Meramec, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Meramec, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Meramec, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Meramec, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Meramec, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in Meramec, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
