Pevely, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer Pevely, MO

If you were hit with a restraining order in Pevely, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense 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 contact 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 called a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.

If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, 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 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 Pevely, MO judge thinks you are.

It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Pevely, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Pevely, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Pevely, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two chief 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device

Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Pevely, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.

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 profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in Pevely and Missouri order of protection law. As your Pevely, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Pevely, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving 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 be confident that you are in competent 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 Pevely, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, like arrest.
Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future most effectively.
Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.

Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and aid safeguard your rights through the Pevely, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Pevely, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking immediate 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 aid you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your defense strategy.
Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)

Consequences of an Order of Protection in Pevely, MO, Missouri

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

Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, particularly 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 — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.

Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Pevely, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

Other cases we take on in Pevely, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s Pevely, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now

If you are facing an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.

To take the preliminary step in the direction of safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Pevely, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Pevely, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not wait to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Pevely, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.