Order of Protection Lawyer University City, MO. If you were hit with 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 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 University City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-risk, no-obligation 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 crucial legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the alleged perpetrator to abstain 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 restraining order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in University City, MO. If you were given an order of protection in University City, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive 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 offers two main 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 physical harm
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- 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 detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately undertaking 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” 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 University City, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your University City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in University City, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in University City and Missouri order of protection law. As your University City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in University City, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is missed and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated University City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you deserve 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 imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the petitioner. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, get in touch with a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Candidness is key to building a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and aid protect your rights throughout the University City, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s University City, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s imperative 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 depict your side of the story and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard 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
- Granting or refusal 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 cause a range of significant consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms under 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. Infringing an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you need experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in University City, MO and is focused on lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to defending your rights, investigating legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in University City, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s University City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are facing an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we highly recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step in the direction of ensuring 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not delay to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in University City, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
