Order of Protection Lawyer St. Peters, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in St. Peters, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Peters, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary 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 crucial legal measure designed to ensure the safety of individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from 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 justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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. Peters, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in St. Peters, MO. If you were given an order of protection in St. Peters, 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. Peters, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or taking part in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Peters, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Peters, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in St. Peters, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable 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 boasts a strong history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Peters, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with thorough 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 provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Peters, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the help and advocacy you deserve throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in St. Peters, 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 carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe 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 log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will establish the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights during the St. Peters, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Peters, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps post 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 drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually includes:
- 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. Peters, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you share 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 associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the intricacies of order of protection cases in St. Peters, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are focused on defending your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s St. Peters, 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 strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in St. Peters, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Peters, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in St. Peters, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
