Order of Protection Lawyer Wentzville, MO
If you received a restraining order in Wentzville, MO you need a skilled 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 defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Wentzville, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a complimentary consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of people who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the alleged perpetrator to refrain 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 relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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 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 Wentzville, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Wentzville, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Wentzville, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Wentzville, 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 causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force a person to comply
- Harassment, or engaging in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies purposefully engaging 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and highly emotional 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 followed appropriately and that each individual’s 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 require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable 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 proven history of securing 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 are entitled to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of seasoned legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, address your questions, review your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of all perspectives of the story.
- Court representation — We offer unwavering representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate 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 be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you require during this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Wentzville, 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 carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate steps will establish the foundation for a strong defense and aid protect your rights during the Wentzville, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Wentzville, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in preparing 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged 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
- Approval or rejection 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 lead to a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned from owning 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 immigrant, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the nuances of order of protection cases in Wentzville, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
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 seek legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards ensuring 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 online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Wentzville, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
