Order of Protection Lawyer St. Louis, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in St. Louis, MO you need a skilled 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 legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
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 family member 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 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 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, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in St. Louis, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Louis, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Louis, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies intentionally 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 means or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Louis, MO can make all the difference in making sure 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
When you are facing an order of protection in St. Louis, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in St. Louis and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Louis, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Louis, 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 utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce 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, getting the support and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in St. Louis, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with meticulously 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 best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a solid defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the St. Louis, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied 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 you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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. Louis, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, especially if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 immigrant, 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 experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in St. Louis, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse 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:
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
- Juvenile Defense Lawyer
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 guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the preliminary step towards securing 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, providing resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in St. Louis, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
