Order of Protection Lawyer St. Francois County, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert St. Francois 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 effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Francois County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at 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 …
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
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 is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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. Francois County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in St. Francois County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Francois County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two primary instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Francois County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Francois County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in St. Francois County and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Francois County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Francois County, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Francois County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you require throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, it is imperative 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 make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights through the St. Francois County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Francois County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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. Francois County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a spectrum of significant consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be banned from having firearms as per 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in St. Francois County, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Francois County, MO include:
- Weapon Crime Defense Lawyer
- DWI Lawyer With Payment Plans
- Criminal Defense Lawyer with Payment Plans
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Francois County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the first step in the direction of securing your defense in an order of protection case in St. Francois County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Francois County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait to reach out to us today to discuss your order of protection case in St. Francois County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
