Order of Protection Lawyer St. Charles, MO. If you were hit 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 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, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website 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 called a restraining order, is a vital legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain from 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 relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 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, 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, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Charles, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Charles, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully undertaking an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Charles, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in St. Charles, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept 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 boasts a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Charles, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Charles, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require 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, 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’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable 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 — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building 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 immediate steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights throughout the St. Charles, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Charles, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps following 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 crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related 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
- Issuance or denial 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
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting 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, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms under 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in St. Charles, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion 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 facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in St. Charles, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Charles, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in St. Charles, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
