Order of Protection Lawyer St. Louis, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s expert St. Louis, 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 highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online 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 vital legal measure designed to safeguard people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can issue 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 is issued 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, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in St. Louis, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Louis, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Louis, 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:
- Harming 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 act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part 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 deliberately participating 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Louis, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in St. Louis, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in St. Louis and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Louis, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Louis, MO. All 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 in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Louis, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, benefiting from the support and advocacy you deserve during 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. Louis, 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 thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, such as arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, contact a qualified attorney with experience 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 building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights during the St. Louis, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard 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
- Granting or refusal of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in St. Louis, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can lead to a variety of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly 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 be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms under 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. Infringing an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in St. Louis, MO and is committed 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 wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Louis, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in St. Louis, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, offering steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to get in touch with us now to talk about your order of protection case in St. Louis, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
