Order of Protection Lawyer St. Charles County, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in St. Charles County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive 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 online for a no-cost 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 measure designed to protect individuals who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to abstain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs 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.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in St. Charles County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in St. Charles County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Charles County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully engaging 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 medium or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
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 require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient 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 maintains a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Charles County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming 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 assistance and advocacy you need during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in St. Charles County, 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 meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in 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, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights through the St. Charles County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Charles County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential 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 depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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
- Issuance or denial 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 lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed 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 restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms under 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 foreign national, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in St. Charles County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow 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 Now
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your rights and interests in an order of protection case in St. Charles County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now to talk about your order of protection case in St. Charles County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
