Order of Protection Lawyer St. Charles, MO. If you were served with a restraining order in St. Charles, 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 highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost consultation. You can check out 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 …
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to ensure the safety of people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 relative or household member.
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 alleged victim 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 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, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in St. Charles, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Charles, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive 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, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies 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 tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Charles, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in St. Charles, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in St. Charles and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Charles, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Charles, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital 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 offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor 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, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you deserve 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, 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. Grasp its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and following 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 result in severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide 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 comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights during the St. Charles, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Charles, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After 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 aid you in drafting 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 — Be aware of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in St. Charles, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from owning 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in St. Charles, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Charles, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Charles, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over 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 securing your defense in an order of protection case in St. Charles, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in St. Charles, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
