Order of Protection Lawyer Jefferson County, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Jefferson County, 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 established track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a no-cost consultation. Take a look at our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a essential legal measure designed to protect people who may be dealing with dangers, harassment, or assault from another party. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to abstain 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 order of protection alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, 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 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 Jefferson County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in Jefferson County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in Jefferson County, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Jefferson County, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers 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 physical harm
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or participating in a course of conduct that “alarms or causes distress to another person and serves no legitimate purpose”
- Sexual assault
- Kidnapping, or holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies 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” such as tracking, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson County, MO can be all the difference in ensuring that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Jefferson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing an order of protection in Jefferson County, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is well-versed in Jefferson County and Missouri order of protection law. As your Jefferson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Jefferson County, MO. All of our clients deserve to have their story heard in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to design robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, go over your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in gathering and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and future at every step.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Jefferson County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, benefiting from the support and advocacy you deserve amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Jefferson County, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, understanding it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mandated in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents involving the person who requested the order of protection. This log can serve as vital evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a knowledgeable attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Openness is key to building a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help protect your rights during the Jefferson County, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Jefferson County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking swift steps post 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 detail your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Be present at all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually includes:
- 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 Jefferson County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a range of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, notably if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can result in the loss of personal freedoms, including limitations on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited 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 foreign national, having an order of protection issued against you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have seasoned and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte understands the subtleties of order of protection cases in Jefferson County, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are committed to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Jefferson County, MO include:
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Jefferson County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are confronted with an order of protection or require legal advice in such matters, we vigorously recommend you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, express your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Jefferson County, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Jefferson County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in Jefferson County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
