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St. Charles County, MO

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Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer St. Charles County, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s professional 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal 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 contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.

If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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 St. Charles County, MO judge thinks you are.

During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in St. Charles County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Charles County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Charles County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.

  1. Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
    • Injuring a pet
    • Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
    • Battery, or inflicting physical harm
    • Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
    • Harassment, or participating 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
  2. Stalking Stalking means intentionally 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 means or device

Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel 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 followed correctly and that everyone’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 profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable 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 provide:

  • Proven successes Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of securing 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 have a right to have their story shared in court.
  • Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
  • Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
  • Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
  • Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
  • Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.

With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Charles County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the help and advocacy you need throughout 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 carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
  • Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
  • Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
  • Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
  • Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a robust defense.
  • Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.

Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the St. Charles County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Charles County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.

The Legal Process

Upon taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:

  • Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard 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
    • Approval or rejection of a protection order, including 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 result in a spectrum of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:

  • Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
  • Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
  • Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing 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 is affected by 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. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.

Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in St. Charles County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate 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 confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.

To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your rights and future in an order of protection case in St. Charles County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.

At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in St. Charles County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.

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