Order of Protection Lawyer Wildwood, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s dedicated Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, 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 vital legal instrument designed to protect individuals who may be facing dangers, harassment, or assault from someone in their family or household. It serves as a court-issued document–signed by a judge–that requires the accused to refrain from any form of contact with the petitioner.
Under Missouri Revised Statute §455.020, anybody who has suffered from domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault can file an restraining 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 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 Wildwood, MO judge thinks you are.
During this pivotal hearing you need your rights and future protected by experienced order of protection defense lawyers in Wildwood, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Wildwood, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP. We will strive to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Wildwood, 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 inflicting physical harm
- Coercion, or leveraging threats to force 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 means purposefully participating 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” such as following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
Within such complicated and intense scenarios, the guidance and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Wildwood, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of seasoned attorneys is proficient in Wildwood and Missouri order of protection law. As your Wildwood, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte maintains a consistent history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients who received orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Wildwood, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team comprises experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to formulate robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation without any fees to examine the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, review your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving vital evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail is missed and the court will hear the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We provide unwavering representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators endeavor to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to lessen the impact of an order of protection on your life.
By choosing Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated Wildwood, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can be confident that you are in capable hands, getting the help and advocacy you deserve amidst this tough time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
If served with an order of protection in Wildwood, 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’ve been served. Understand its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not agree with everything it says, understanding it and following it until the hearing is in your best interest in the long run.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations specified in the order of protection. Any violation can cause severe legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a detailed record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents concerning the other party. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Immediately, contact a competent attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is essential to defend your rights and future in the most optimal way.
- Notify your attorney — Provide all relevant information with your attorney, including details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Candidness is key to forming a strong defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection includes restrictions on entering your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to steer clear of further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will set the foundation for a robust defense and help protect your rights during the Wildwood, MO order of protection case. Remember that legal representation, akin to that offered by Combs Waterkotte’s Wildwood, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is crucial to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking swift 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 help you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Participate in all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to guarantee your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your side of the story. 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 Wildwood, MO, Missouri
Facing an order of protection can cause a variety of notable consequences that extend beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the mandated restriction on contacting the protected party. This can disrupt 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, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can spend time with.
- Criminal charges — Infringing the terms of an order of protection can lead to criminal charges, including arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be prohibited from owning firearms under 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 placed on you may have consequences. Infringing an order of protection can also result in immigration-related issues.
Given the seriousness of the potential consequences, you need knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the nuances of order of protection cases in Wildwood, MO and is dedicated to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to safeguarding your rights, exploring legal options, and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t navigate the complexities of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Wildwood, MO include:
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
- Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
- Criminal Lawyer
Call Combs Waterkotte’s Wildwood, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
If you are dealing with an order of protection or need legal advice in such matters, we highly urge you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this essential initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case, express your concerns, and acquire insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the first step towards securing your defense in an order of protection case in Wildwood, MO, talk to an order of protection defense lawyer in Wildwood, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
Through Combs Waterkotte, we are committed to standing by your side through the legal journey, offering steadfast support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to get in touch with us today to discuss your order of protection case in Wildwood, MO and take proactive steps towards safeguarding your rights and future.
