Order of Protection Lawyer St. Peters, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated St. Peters, 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 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 St. Peters, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free 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 ensure the well-being of people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels the accused to abstain from any form of contact with the person who requested the order of protection.
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 relative or household member.
If a judge evaluates the petition and thinks there is compelling rationale, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order is issued before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen within 15 days, the immediate 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 St. Peters, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and future protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in St. Peters, MO. If you were served with an order of protection in St. Peters, MO, get in touch with Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and obtain the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Peters, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act offers two chief 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 putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to force 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
- Unlawful imprisonment, or detaining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking means intentionally participating in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to trigger 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 means or device
Amidst these complex and highly emotional scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Peters, MO can be all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed appropriately and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Peters, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in St. Peters, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is proficient in St. Peters and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Peters, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte has a proven track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Peters, MO. Each and every one of our clients deserve to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses tailored to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend 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 works in gathering and preserving crucial evidence to bolster your defense, making sure that no detail goes overlooked and the court will hear the full version of every angle of the story.
- Court representation — We offer steadfast representation in court proceedings, standing up for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach favorable resolutions when possible, aiming to mitigate the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Peters, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the assistance and advocacy you require during this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in St. Peters, 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 thoroughly reading the order of protection document you received. Understand its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can cause serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This documentation can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, get in touch with a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Securing legal representation is vital to protect your rights and future in the best manner.
- Notify your attorney — Give all applicable information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that resulted in the order of protection. Openness is key to forming a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on accessing your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift steps will set the foundation for a solid defense and aid defend your rights throughout the St. Peters, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, such as that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Peters, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking prompt steps post being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will occur:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will outline your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings related to your case. Be present at all scheduled hearings with your attorney to guarantee your voice is recognized 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 St. Peters, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The foremost consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can interfere with personal relationships, especially 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, such as limitations on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent facing an order of protection may be prohibited from having firearms under federal law.
- Suspension of concealed carry permit — A concealed carry permit may be suspended if the holder is under a valid full order of protection.
- Immigration consequences — If you’re an alien, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in St. Peters, MO and is committed to lessening the impact of these orders on your life. Our experienced attorneys are focused on safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Do not navigate the challenges of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Peters, 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 St. Peters, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Now
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal guidance in such matters, we vigorously urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this pivotal initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options open to you.
To take the preliminary step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in St. Peters, MO, speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Peters, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are focused on standing by your side during the legal journey, giving resolute support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us now to go over your order of protection case in St. Peters, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
