Order of Protection Lawyer Wentzville, MO. If you were hit with a restraining order in Wentzville, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Wentzville, 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.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a critical legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to avoid 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
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 occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Wentzville, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Wentzville, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Wentzville, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away 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 Wentzville, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure a person to act in a certain way
- Harassment, or taking part 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 intentionally 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Wentzville, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Wentzville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Wentzville, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Wentzville and Missouri order of protection law. As your Wentzville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a consistent history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Wentzville, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, respond to 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, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Wentzville, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are in competent hands, getting the assistance and advocacy you deserve throughout this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Wentzville, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by meticulously reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Share all pertinent information with your attorney, like details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights throughout the Wentzville, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Wentzville, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your version of events and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard 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, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Wentzville, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to 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, including constraints on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be forbidden from having firearms as per 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. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Wentzville, MO and is dedicated to minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to protecting your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Wentzville, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Wentzville, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Wentzville, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Wentzville, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a free consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, providing resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us now to discuss your order of protection case in Wentzville, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
