Order of Protection Lawyer O’Fallon, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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.
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 …
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator 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 restraining 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 issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 O’Fallon, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in O’Fallon, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in O’Fallon, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in O’Fallon, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to comply
- Harassment, or participating 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 invoke fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in O’Fallon, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your O’Fallon, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in O’Fallon, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in O’Fallon and Missouri order of protection law. As your O’Fallon, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in O’Fallon, MO. Every single 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 deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated O’Fallon, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you require during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in O’Fallon, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee 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 — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights during the O’Fallon, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s O’Fallon, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard 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, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in O’Fallon, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations 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 having firearms according to 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 issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in O’Fallon, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in O’Fallon, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s O’Fallon, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in O’Fallon, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in O’Fallon, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us today to go over your order of protection case in O’Fallon, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
