Order of Protection Lawyer Ste. Genevieve, MO
If you were served with a restraining order in Ste. Genevieve, 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 effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a critical legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order is issued 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, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Ste. Genevieve, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve, 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 resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Ste. Genevieve, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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 means 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
Amidst these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that everyone’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ste. Genevieve, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in Ste. Genevieve and Missouri order of protection law. As your Ste. Genevieve, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a proven history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators endeavor to reach favorable 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, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy 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
If served with an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to safeguard your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and following it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist safeguard your rights throughout the Ste. Genevieve, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Ste. Genevieve, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt 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 help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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
- 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, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a spectrum of notable 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 have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, 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 severity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Ste. Genevieve, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ste. Genevieve, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to talk about the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Ste. Genevieve, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Ste. Genevieve, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
