Order of Protection Lawyer Ste. Genevieve County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Ste. Genevieve 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 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal tool designed to ensure the safety of people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or assault from another party. It is 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 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 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 their alleged abuser. 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 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Ste. Genevieve County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully 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” like tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ste. Genevieve County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Ste. Genevieve County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Ste. Genevieve County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring 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, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Ste. Genevieve County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the support and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve County, 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’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and following 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 cause severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and help protect your rights during the Ste. Genevieve County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Ste. Genevieve County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is recognized and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- 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 Ste. Genevieve County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with 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 constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Ste. Genevieve County, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are focused on protecting your rights, looking into 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 champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ste. Genevieve County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of securing your rights and future in an order of protection case in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you during the legal journey, giving steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us today to go over your order of protection case in Ste. Genevieve County, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
