Order of Protection Lawyer Ste. Genevieve County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s professional 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, 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 well-being of individuals who may be facing risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator 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 order of protection 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 petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Ste. Genevieve County, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Ste. Genevieve County, 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to force a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating 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 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve County, MO can make all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ste. Genevieve County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed 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 attaining 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 shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with deep 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 provide an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is ignored and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Ste. Genevieve County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you require during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain 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, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and assist safeguard your rights during the Ste. Genevieve County, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Ste. Genevieve County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in preparing 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 — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, accompanied by 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 major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, notably 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, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms as per federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder becomes subject to 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 lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Ste. Genevieve County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Ste. Genevieve County, MO include:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ste. Genevieve County, 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 highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in Ste. Genevieve County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
