Order of Protection Lawyer Pevely, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in Pevely, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established 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 Pevely, 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.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
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 evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. 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 take place 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 Pevely, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Pevely, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Pevely, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Pevely, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully engaging 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” including tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Pevely, MO can prove to be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Pevely, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Pevely, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Pevely and Missouri order of protection law. As your Pevely, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a strong history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Pevely, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story presented 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 extend an initial consultation at no cost 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 assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Pevely, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you require throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Pevely, MO, it is crucial 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 guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and following 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 result in serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This documentation can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in 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, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Pevely, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Pevely, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help 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 tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Pevely, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with 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 limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from owning 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Pevely, MO and is committed to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Pevely, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Pevely, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Pevely, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Pevely, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Pevely, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
