St. Louis County, MO

Posted by Emily Herr on October 13, 2023

Order of Protection Lawyer St. Louis County, MO

Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated St. Louis 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. Louis County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.

Understanding Orders of Protection

An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal instrument designed to safeguard individuals who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to refrain 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.

If a judge determines there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say is a risk. 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 take place 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. Louis County, MO judge thinks you are.

It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in St. Louis County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in St. Louis County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately 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. Louis County, MO

Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two main 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to comply
- Harassment, or engaging 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device

In these intricate and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis County, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.

Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Louis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer

When you are facing an order of protection in St. Louis County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in St. Louis County and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Louis County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:

Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Louis County, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
Expertise and experience — Our team consists of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
Court representation — We deliver resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate 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 rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving 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 defend your rights and interests:

Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a strong defense.
Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.

Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights throughout the St. Louis County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.

The Legal Process

After taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:

Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
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 make sure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. 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. Louis County, MO, Missouri

Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:

Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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 lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from possessing firearms according to 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. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.

Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in St. Louis County, MO and is committed to minimizing 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. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.

Other cases we take on in St. Louis County, MO include:

Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now

In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.

To take the preliminary step towards securing 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 online for a complimentary consultation.

With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not wait to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in St. Louis County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.