Order of Protection Lawyer St. Charles County, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in St. Charles County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 critical legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to avoid 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can issue 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 is issued 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 St. Charles County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in St. Charles County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in St. Charles County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 St. Charles County, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to comply
- 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally undertaking 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 means or device
In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Charles County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in St. Charles County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in St. Charles County and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Charles County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Charles County, 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 seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Charles County, 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 need 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 St. Charles County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending 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 cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights through the St. Charles County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Charles County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist 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 — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is recognized 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, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in St. Charles County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with 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, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing 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 issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in St. Charles County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Charles County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Charles County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in St. Charles County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in St. Charles County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
