Order of Protection Lawyer Ste. Genevieve, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Ste. Genevieve, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven 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 no-cost 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 essential legal instrument designed to safeguard people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires 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 has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines 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 is issued 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Ste. Genevieve, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately 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 provides two primary 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing threats to pressure 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully engaging 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
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ste. Genevieve, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable 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 has a consistent history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in collecting and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Ste. Genevieve, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the help and advocacy you deserve 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, 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 meticulously reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights throughout the Ste. Genevieve, MO order of protection case. Bear 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
Once taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- 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 your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to make sure your voice is acknowledged 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, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to 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 result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from having 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 alien, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands 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 focused on safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Ste. Genevieve, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ste. Genevieve, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this crucial initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step in the direction of securing your rights and future 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 free consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Ste. Genevieve, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
