Order of Protection Lawyer Wildwood, MO. Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Wildwood, 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 defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Wildwood, 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 known as a restraining order, is a essential legal tool designed to safeguard individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels the alleged perpetrator to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
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 household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. 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 take place 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 Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in Wildwood, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Wildwood, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or utilizing 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
- Kidnapping, or confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully participating 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
Amidst these complex and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Wildwood, MO can prove to be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed appropriately and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Wildwood, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Wildwood, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Wildwood and Missouri order of protection law. As your Wildwood, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Wildwood, MO. Every single one of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to design robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to fortify your defense, making sure that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, striving to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Wildwood, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in capable hands, receiving the help and advocacy you deserve throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Wildwood, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to defend your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and following it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can lead to severe legal consequences, including criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Keep a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a competent attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to creating a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid defend your rights through the Wildwood, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, akin to that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Wildwood, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps post 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 preparing and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled hearings with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually includes:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Wildwood, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a variety of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably 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, like limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, such as arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be banned from owning 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 foreign national, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the severity of the potential consequences, you require seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the subtleties of order of protection cases in Wildwood, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your advocate and guide.
Other cases we take on in Wildwood, MO include:
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Wildwood, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the chance to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the first step in the direction of safeguarding your rights and future in an order of protection case in Wildwood, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Wildwood, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side through the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in Wildwood, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
