Order of Protection Lawyer Ste. Genevieve, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Ste. Genevieve, 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, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a essential legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or violence from someone else. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or someone who lives with them.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. If a hearing doesn’t occur 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.
At this crucial 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, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Ste. Genevieve, 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:
- Harming a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to pressure 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully engaging in 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” including following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any means or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ste. Genevieve, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Ste. Genevieve, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in Ste. Genevieve and Missouri order of protection law. As your Ste. Genevieve, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team works in assembling and preserving vital evidence to fortify your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach agreeable 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 feel certain that you are in competent hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you deserve during 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 crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any communication, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital 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 paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and help defend your rights throughout the Ste. Genevieve, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Ste. Genevieve, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking prompt steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- 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 the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, including 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 cause a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially 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 limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from having 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Ste. Genevieve, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Ste. Genevieve, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ste. Genevieve, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to arrange for a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Ste. Genevieve, MO, talk 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.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on supporting you throughout the legal journey, giving steadfast support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in Ste. Genevieve, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
