Order of Protection Lawyer St. Peters, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in St. Peters, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive 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. Peters, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be dealing with risks, 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 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say abused them. 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 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. Peters, 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. Peters, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Peters, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Peters, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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 intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Peters, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Peters, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in St. Peters, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in St. Peters and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Peters, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Peters, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to strengthen your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Peters, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you deserve during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in St. Peters, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will lay the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights during the St. Peters, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Peters, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps following being served an order of protection, it’s imperative to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in St. Peters, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a spectrum of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in St. Peters, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Peters, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Peters, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in St. Peters, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Peters, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side throughout the legal journey, giving unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not wait to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in St. Peters, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
