Order of Protection Lawyer St. Charles County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated St. Charles County, 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 effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. 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-risk, no-obligation 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 essential legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–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 is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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 St. Charles County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in St. Charles County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in St. Charles County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible 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 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause 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 method 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 be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Charles County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in St. Charles County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances 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 has a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Charles County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen 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 provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work 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 be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve during this challenging 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 vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and help safeguard your rights during the St. Charles County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that given by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Charles County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection 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 spectrum of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from having firearms under federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by 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.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed 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 knowledgeable attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Charles County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards securing your rights and interests 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 online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in St. Charles County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
