What To Do If You've Been Served?
Criminal Defense Attorneys in St. Louis, MO
This content has been written and edited by professional legal writers and individually reviewed and verified by Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte, attorneys who have over 40 combined years in the criminal defense industry.
Orders of Protection Lawyer in St. Louis
If you were served an ex parte order of protection, stay calm and trust in Combs Waterkotte to help you find the best possible resolution in your case.
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What Do You Do if You’ve Been Served in St. Louis, MO?
It’s important for anyone that is served to call and contact a defense attorney right away. It’s also essential not to overreact or to reach out to the petitioner – stay calm, collect all of the notes you have, read the documents, and call a criminal defense lawyer.
We handle cases like your every day. Reach out to our St. Louis orders of protection lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP.
Anything you might do can make matters worse if the case escalates. If you’re served an order of protection, that typically means you’re getting a notice that there are legal proceedings against you. Someone will physically hand you documents notifying that there are orders of protection against you. It’s crucial to read, understand, and act according to law regardless of the charges or if you think they are legitimate or not.
If you've been served, our legal team will evaluate your case, negotiate with the prosecution, challenge evidence, review whether or not your rights were violated, and make sure you are protected.
With restraining orders, the person who petitions the order of protection has to file with the court or at a local police station. Petitioners will need evidence of any sort of emotional abuse, assault, aggravation, or other types of harmful behavior to put an order in place. A police officer will then serve the documents. Submit documentation to start the process.
Here are a few of the most common allegations that can lead to being served.
- Domestic Violence
- Stalking
- Sexual Assault or Misconduct
- Harassment
- Child and Elder Abuse
- Violent Threats
- Property Damage
- Cyberbullying
Being Served an Order of Protection in St. Louis, MO
If you’ve been served in Missouri, it’s incredibly important to respond as soon as possible. Our lawyers at Combs Waterkotte will do everything we can to make sure your case is handled with care and professionalism.
Why Were You Served?
- Divorce
- Monetary Compensation
- Child Custody Disputes
- Child Support
- Harassment
- Discrimination
- Breach of Contract
- Property Enroachment
What Do I Do If I’m Served an Order of Protection?
There are a few things you should know if you’ve been served by a process server or other authority. See below for the basics:
- Read the Documents: Review the served documents for case details and next steps.
- Understand the Allegations: Comprehend the claims and their implications.
- Contact a Lawyer: Consult a criminal defense attorney immediately for advice and to understand your rights.
- Keep Records: Document all communications and relevant information like texts and records.
- Respond On Time: Promptly reply to requests in the documents to influence the judgment.
- Prepare Your Response: Collaborate with your lawyer on your response, adhering to court procedures.
- File the Response: Address the allegations with your lawyer’s help and file required court paperwork.
- Attend Hearings: Be present at all hearings; your attorney will manage your defense and witness cross-examination.
- Modify or Contest: Work with your attorney to adjust or challenge the order, especially in cases involving domestic disputes or cyberbullying.
Handling a Complaint After Being Served
Every case is different. Whether there acts of violence, threats, stalking, or something related to financial fraud, it’s important to read the documentation and evaluate your options. An attorney can speak with a judge on your behalf to find a positive resolution to your case or file a motion to dismiss the case.
St. Louis, MO, Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you’ve been served, it’s important to call (314) 900-HELP and contact a local criminal defense attorney that can help you understand the situation. Combs Waterkotte specializes in these matters and is here to help.
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Guiding you through the entire process, from start to finish.
We know most people who come to us haven't had to deal with the justice system in this way before. We understand how overwhelming and confusing the process can be, which is why we ensure clarity and support at every turn. From our initial consultation to the the final resolution of your case we strive to make the process easy for you to understand and leave you without any doubts that your case is being handled the right way.
Legal resources for a variety of cases.
Whether you've got questions about what to do when served with an order of protection, the juvenile delinquency process, how to defend a DWI case or anything in between, we have answers. Check out our blog and FAQs for answers to common questions, or contact Combs Waterkotte today to speak directly to an attorney about your case.
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