Order of Protection Lawyer Wildwood, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Wildwood, MO you need a knowledgeable order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a established 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 reach out to us online for a free 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 critical legal tool designed to protect individuals who may be dealing with risks, harassment, or assault from someone else. It is 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current family member or someone who lives with them.
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 is a risk. The ex parte order occurs 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 Wildwood, MO judge thinks you are.
At this crucial hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Wildwood, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Wildwood, MO, reach out to 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 Wildwood, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents two chief 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 placing another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing 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 means deliberately engaging 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” including 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 Wildwood, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
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 profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in Wildwood and Missouri order of protection law. As your Wildwood, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a consistent track record of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Wildwood, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists 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 suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to evaluate the specifics of your case, address your questions, go over your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and future at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming 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 getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you need throughout this difficult time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Wildwood, 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 received. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Comply closely to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, including arrest.
- Document all communication — Keep a detailed record of any communication, interactions or incidents concerning the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is vital to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, including details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a robust defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Wildwood, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Wildwood, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking immediate steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- 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 the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Be aware of the court dates and hearings related to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. The hearing usually consists of:
- 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 Wildwood, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can cause a spectrum of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the mandated restriction on communicating with 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 cause the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to 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 becomes subject to a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the severity of the potential consequences, you require experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Wildwood, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, investigating legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Wildwood, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously encourage you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to discuss the details of your case, voice your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Wildwood, MO, talk 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.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to supporting you throughout the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to discuss your order of protection case in Wildwood, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
