Order of Protection Lawyer University City, MO
If you received a restraining order in University City, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in University City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost 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 essential legal tool designed to safeguard people who may be confronting threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to refrain 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, 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 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 University City, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in University City, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in University City, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in University City, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main instances where someone can file an order of protection: abuse and stalking.
- Abuse — Abuse can be acts, attempts or threats involving:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to comply
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger fear of physical harm
- Course of conduct means two or more acts that “serve no legitimate purpose” including tracking, 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 University City, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your University City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in University City, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the nuances involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is proficient in University City and Missouri order of protection law. As your University City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in University City, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in assembling and preserving essential evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated University City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help and advocacy you need amidst this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in University City, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in severe legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will establish the foundation for a robust defense and help safeguard your rights through the University City, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s University City, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in University City, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a range of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from owning firearms as per 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in University City, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s University City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in University City, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in University City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to contact us today to discuss your order of protection case in University City, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
