Order of Protection Lawyer Florissant, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in Florissant, MO you need an experienced order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in Florissant, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us through our website for a free consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also known as a restraining order, is a crucial legal tool designed to ensure the safety of people who may be dealing with threats, harassment, or violence from someone else. It serves as a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that orders the accused to avoid 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 family member or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is “good cause”, they can provide an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the petitioner and they person they say is a risk. The ex parte order is issued 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 Florissant, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in Florissant, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Florissant, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Florissant, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act provides two main 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 utilizing threats to compel a person to comply
- Harassment, or engaging 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 implies purposefully undertaking 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and highly emotional scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Florissant, MO can prove to be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is adhered to appropriately and that each individual’s rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Florissant, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in Florissant, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Florissant and Missouri order of protection law. As your Florissant, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a proven history of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Florissant, 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 experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to 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 fortify your defense, ensuring that no detail is ignored and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, advocating for your rights and interests at all phases.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, striving to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Florissant, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are in trustworthy hands, receiving the assistance and advocacy you require during this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
Whenever served with an order of protection in Florissant, MO, it is vital to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any interactions, interactions or incidents related to the petitioner. This log can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Promptly, reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all applicable information with your attorney, like details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to creating a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on entering your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to avoid further legal complications.
Taking these prompt steps will set the foundation for a strong defense and aid defend your rights throughout the Florissant, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s Florissant, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to guide you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps after being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will aid you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will detail your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Participate in all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is heard and the court does not side with the petitioner before you have your day in court. The hearing usually consists of:
- Presentation of evidence
- Witness testimony
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
- Issuance or denial of a protection order, including the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Florissant, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of major consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you share children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can cause the loss of personal freedoms, including restrictions 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 potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from possessing firearms under 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 placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Considering the seriousness of the potential consequences, you require experienced and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Florissant, MO and is dedicated to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, investigating legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are facing an order of protection or require legal guidance in such matters, we strongly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, voice your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the first step towards safeguarding your defense in an order of protection case in Florissant, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Florissant, MO today 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, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us today to talk about your order of protection case in Florissant, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
