Order of Protection Lawyer Creve Coeur, MO
Combs Waterkotte’s expert Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a no-risk, no-obligation consultation. You can check out our defense victories here.
Understanding Orders of Protection
An order of protection, also called a restraining order, is a vital legal tool designed to ensure the well-being of individuals who may be confronting risks, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. 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 someone who lives with them.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can provide 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 all parties gather for a court appearance. 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 Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, MO. If you were given an order of protection in Creve Coeur, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and achieve the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in Creve Coeur, 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:
- Injuring a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to pressure 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 confining somebody somewhere against their will
- Stalking — Stalking implies deliberately engaging in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm.
- Alarm means to cause 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 highly emotional scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in Creve Coeur, MO can make all the difference in making sure that the legal process is followed correctly and that no ones rights are infringed on.
Combs Waterkotte: Your Creve Coeur, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in Creve Coeur, MO, you should have a defense lawyer with a thorough understanding of the details involved. Our team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in Creve Coeur and Missouri order of protection law. As your Creve Coeur, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we provide:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong track record of achieving the best possible outcomes for clients dealing with orders of protection and/or criminal charges in Creve Coeur, MO. Each and every one of our clients have a right to have their story presented in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of experienced legal professionals with deep knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We leverage this expertise to design robust defenses suited for your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We extend an initial consultation free of charge to evaluate the specifics of your case, respond to your questions, discuss your legal options, and develop a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team helps in collecting and preserving crucial evidence to strengthen your defense, guaranteeing that no detail goes overlooked and the court will receive the full version of both sides of the story.
- Court representation — We offer resolute representation in court proceedings, fighting for your rights and interests at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our skilled negotiators work 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 Creve Coeur, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the support and advocacy you require amidst this challenging time.
What to Do After Being Served With an Order of Protection
Immediate Actions
When served with an order of protection in Creve Coeur, MO, it is imperative to take immediate and deliberate steps to protect your rights and interests:
- Read the order thoroughly — Begin by carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to guarantee compliance. While you may not accept everything it says, knowing it and abiding by it until the hearing is in your best long-term advantage.
- Do not violate the order — Adhere strictly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can result in serious legal consequences, like criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a comprehensive record of any interactions, interactions or incidents involving the petitioner. This record can serve as crucial evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, reach out to a qualified attorney with a background in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to protect your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all pertinent information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that caused the order of protection. Openness is key to creating a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, comply with these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these prompt actions will lay the foundation for a strong defense and assist defend your rights throughout the Creve Coeur, MO order of protection case. Bear in mind that legal representation, such as that given by Combs Waterkotte’s Creve Coeur, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to lead you through this process.
The Legal Process
Once taking immediate steps post being served an order of protection, it’s essential to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will assist you in drafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your version of events and your defense strategy.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings associated with your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to make sure 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, along with the duration and explanation of terms (if granted)
Consequences of an Order of Protection in Creve Coeur, MO, Missouri
Confronting an order of protection can lead to a spectrum of notable consequences that go beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The primary consequence is the imposed restriction on communicating with the protected party. This can disrupt personal relationships, particularly if you have in common children, a residence, or other common interests.
- Impact on personal life — Orders of protection can lead to the loss of personal freedoms, such as constraints on where you can go and who you can be with.
- Criminal charges — Breaking 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 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 immigrant, having an order of protection placed on you may have consequences. Breaking an order of protection can also cause immigration-related issues.
Given the severity of the potential consequences, you require knowledgeable and committed legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in Creve Coeur, MO and is committed to reducing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, exploring legal options, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. Do not traverse the complexities of an order of protection alone – let Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in Creve Coeur, 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 Creve Coeur, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
In the event that you are dealing with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. In this vital initial meeting, you will have the chance to go over the details of your case, convey your concerns, and obtain insights into the legal options available to you.
To begin the preliminary step towards securing your rights and interests in an order of protection case in Creve Coeur, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in Creve Coeur, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us through our website for a no-obligation consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to standing by your side during the legal journey, giving resolute support, legal skill, and advocacy. Don’t wait to contact us now to go over your order of protection case in Creve Coeur, MO and take proactive steps towards defending your rights and future.
