Order of Protection Lawyer St. Francois County, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in St. Francois County, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Francois County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free 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 essential legal measure designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from another party. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to abstain 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
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 their alleged abuser. 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. Francois County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in St. Francois County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive 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 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully 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
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Francois County, 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. Francois County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept 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 maintains a strong 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 have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Francois 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 require amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning 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 — Without delay, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help protect your rights during the St. Francois County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Francois County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- 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 defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee 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. Francois County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in St. Francois County, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on defending your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Francois County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in St. Francois County, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Francois County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you through the legal journey, giving unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in St. Francois County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
