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 established 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 through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to safeguard people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to abstain from 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 evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. 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. Francois County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in St. Francois County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Francois County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two primary 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 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 purposefully undertaking 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel 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 no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Francois County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in St. Francois County and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Francois County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Francois County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce 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, getting the support and advocacy you require throughout this difficult 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 imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure 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.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights throughout the St. Francois County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Francois County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend 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 comprises:
- 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. Francois County, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can result in a spectrum of major consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing 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 possessing firearms as per 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in St. Francois County, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Francois County, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Francois County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future 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 no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to talk about your order of protection case in St. Francois County, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
