Order of Protection Lawyer St. Louis County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in St. Louis County, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established 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. Louis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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. Louis 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. Louis County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Louis County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away 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. Louis 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully undertaking 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 means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis County, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Louis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in St. Louis County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in St. Louis County and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Louis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Louis County, MO. All of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Louis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, getting the help and advocacy you need amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in St. Louis County, 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 carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will lay the foundation for a solid defense and aid protect your rights throughout the St. Louis County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict 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 guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in St. Louis County, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can result in a variety of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt 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, like constraints 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, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms under 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in St. Louis County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that 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. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in St. Louis County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t delay to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in St. Louis County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
