Order of Protection Lawyer University City, MO
If you received a restraining order in University City, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to protect your rights and interests. With a impressive track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing effective defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in University City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free 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 ensure the well-being of people who may be facing threats, harassment, or assault from someone else. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that compels 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member 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 petitioner and they person they say abused them. The ex parte order occurs before a hearing and remains in effect until a hearing. If a hearing doesn’t happen 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 University City, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and interests protected by talented order of protection defense lawyers in University City, MO. If you were given an order of protection in University City, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in University City, MO
Missouri’s Domestic Violence Act presents 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 employing threats to force a person to act in a certain way
- 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging 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 following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any medium or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the counsel and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in University City, MO can make all the difference in guaranteeing that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your University City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
Should you be facing an order of protection in University City, MO, you require a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is adept in University City and Missouri order of protection law. As your University City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of securing the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in University City, MO. Each and every one of our clients are entitled to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team consists of veteran legal professionals with thorough knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We tap into this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We offer an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, discuss your legal options, and create a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing 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, advocating for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators endeavor to reach agreeable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated University City, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible defense team, getting the assistance and advocacy you need throughout this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in University City, MO, it is crucial to take immediate and deliberate steps to get the best possible results in your case:
- Read the order thoroughly — Start with thoroughly reading the order of protection document you’ve been served. Grasp its terms and restrictions to ensure compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Do not violate the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations outlined in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like arrest.
- Document all communication — Maintain a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the other party. This log can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, reach out to a competent attorney with experience in order of protection cases. Obtaining legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to building a solid defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection comes with restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these swift actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and help safeguard your rights throughout the University City, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, like that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s University City, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is vital to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
After taking swift steps following 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 preparing 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 — Stay informed of the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances 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
- Approval or rejection of a protection order, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in University City, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can cause a spectrum of significant consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the enforced restriction on communicating with 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 result in the loss of personal freedoms, like constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can result in criminal charges, such as arrest and potential incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent under an order of protection may be banned 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 alien, having an order of protection imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Taking into account the gravity of the potential consequences, you need seasoned and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in University City, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our knowledgeable attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – allow Combs Waterkotte be your champion and guide.
Other cases we take on in University City, 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 University City, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are confronted with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we strongly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this vital initial meeting, you will have the occasion to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options accessible for you.
To take the first step in the direction of ensuring your rights and interests in an order of protection case in University City, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in University City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a complimentary consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side during the legal journey, providing unwavering support, legal skill, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to go over your order of protection case in University City, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
