Order of Protection Lawyer Ballwin, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Ballwin, 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 proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful legal solutions to help good people caught in bad situations. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ballwin, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-cost consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal measure designed to safeguard individuals who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to avoid any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who is a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining order alleging those actions against a current relative or household member.
If a judge determines there is compelling rationale, 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 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 Ballwin, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Ballwin, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Ballwin, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Ballwin, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging 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 holding somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means purposefully engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to invoke 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
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Ballwin, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Ballwin, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Ballwin, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is adept in Ballwin and Missouri order of protection law. As your Ballwin, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of securing the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Ballwin, MO. Every single one of our clients are entitled 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 leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to bolster your defense, ensuring that no detail goes overlooked and the court will get the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We deliver steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our adept negotiators work to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Ballwin, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in trustworthy hands, benefiting from the assistance and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Ballwin, 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. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, comprehending it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any communication, interactions or incidents involving 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 knowledgeable attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- 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 has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, abide by these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will set the foundation for a solid defense and help defend your rights through the Ballwin, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Ballwin, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift steps after being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will transpire:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and your legal strategy.
- Court dates — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually comprises:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, accompanied by the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Ballwin, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the mandated restriction on reaching out to 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, including 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 potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms according to federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is affected by 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 result in immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have experienced and dedicated legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Ballwin, MO and is focused on reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Ballwin, MO include:
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Ballwin, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options available to you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in Ballwin, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Ballwin, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing steadfast support, expertise, and advocacy. Do not delay to contact us now to talk about your order of protection case in Ballwin, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
