Order of Protection Lawyer St. Francois County, MO
If you were hit with a restraining order in St. Francois County, MO you need a skilled order of protection defense lawyer to ensure your rights and future stay intact. With a proven track record of excellence, Combs Waterkotte is committed to providing highly successful defense solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Speak to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Francois County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a no-cost 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 instrument designed to protect people who may be confronting dangers, harassment, or violence from someone in their family or household. It is a court-issued directive–signed by a judge–that compels 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 protective order alleging those actions against a current family member or household member.
If a judge determines there is justifiable reason, they can issue an “ex parte order of protection,” which limits contact between the alleged victim and their alleged abuser. 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 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. Francois County, MO judge thinks you are.
It’s at this hearing that you need your rights and interests protected by expert order of protection defense lawyers in St. Francois County, MO. If you were handed an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, reach out to Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP. We will endeavor to have your order of protection dismissed and secure the best possible resolution to your case.
Common Situations Involving Orders of Protection in St. Francois County, 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:
- Mistreating a pet
- Assault, or putting another person in fear of being physically injured
- Battery, or causing physical harm
- Coercion, or employing threats to compel a person to follow a specific action
- Harassment, or taking part 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 means deliberately undertaking 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” like following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating through any method or device
In these intricate and emotionally charged scenarios, the advice and representation of an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Francois County, MO can be all the difference in making sure that the legal process is adhered to correctly and that all parties’ rights are protected.
Combs Waterkotte: Your St. Francois County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
When you are facing an order of protection in St. Francois County, MO, you need a defense lawyer with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved. Our team of knowledgeable attorneys is adept in St. Francois County and Missouri order of protection law. As your St. Francois County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, we offer:
- Proven successes — Combs Waterkotte boasts a strong history of attaining the best possible outcomes for clients facing orders of protection and/or criminal charges in St. Francois County, MO. Every single one of our clients have a right to have their story shared in court.
- Expertise and experience — Our team is made up of veteran legal professionals with in-depth knowledge of order of protection laws, courtroom procedures and negotiation strategies. We utilize this expertise to craft robust defenses specific to your unique circumstances.
- Legal consultation — We provide an initial consultation free of charge to examine the specifics of your case, answer your questions, go over your legal options, and formulate a customized legal strategy.
- Evidence collection — Our team assists in gathering and preserving essential evidence to fortify your defense, making sure 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, standing up for your rights and future at each stage.
- Negotiation — Our talented negotiators work to reach amicable resolutions when possible, aiming to reduce the impact of an order of protection on your life.
With Combs Waterkotte as your dedicated St. Francois County, MO order of protection defense lawyer, you can feel certain that you are getting the best possible defense team, receiving the help 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. Francois County, 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 carefully reading the order of protection document you received. Comprehend its terms and restrictions to make sure of compliance. While you may not concur with everything it says, knowing it and adhering to it until the hearing is in your long-term best interest.
- Obey the order — Stick firmly to the stipulations mentioned in the order of protection. Any violation can cause grave legal consequences, such as criminal charges.
- Document all communication — Hold onto a thorough record of any correspondence, interactions or incidents related to the other party. This record can serve as essential evidence in your defense.
- Contact an order of protection defense lawyer — Without delay, contact a qualified attorney with expertise in order of protection cases. Getting legal representation is paramount to safeguard your rights and future most effectively.
- Notify your attorney — Give all relevant information with your attorney, such as details of the situation that led to the order of protection. Transparency is key to forming a robust defense.
- Restrictions on possessions — If the order of protection has restrictions on reaching your home or possessions, adhere to these restrictions to prevent further legal complications.
Taking these immediate actions will lay the foundation for a robust defense and aid protect your rights through the St. Francois County, MO order of protection case. Keep in mind that legal representation, like that provided by Combs Waterkotte’s St. Francois County, MO order of protection defense attorneys, is essential to direct you through this process.
The Legal Process
Upon taking immediate steps following being served an order of protection, it’s vital to understand the legal process that will unfold:
- Filing a response — Your attorney will help you in crafting and filing a response to the order of protection. This response will depict your side of the story and the legal defenses you have.
- Court dates — Keep in mind the court dates and hearings tied to your case. Attend all scheduled court appearances with your attorney to ensure your voice is acknowledged and the court does not side with the petitioner before hearing your version of events. 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 St. Francois County, MO, Missouri
Encountering an order of protection can result in a spectrum of major consequences that reach beyond the courtroom:
- Restrictions on contact — The most immediate consequence is the imposed restriction on reaching out to 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 lead to the loss of personal freedoms, like restrictions on where you can go and who you can associate with.
- Criminal charges — Violating the terms of an order of protection can cause criminal charges, like arrest and possible incarceration.
- Firearm restrictions — A respondent subject to an order of protection may be forbidden from possessing firearms according to 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 imposed on you may have consequences. Violating an order of protection can also lead to immigration-related issues.
Considering the gravity of the potential consequences, you must have knowledgeable and devoted legal representation. Combs Waaterkotte knows the intricacies of order of protection cases in St. Francois County, MO and is focused on minimizing the impact of these orders on your life. Our seasoned attorneys are devoted to defending your rights, looking into legal options, and aiming for the best possible outcome for your case. Do not wade through the complications of an order of protection alone – have Combs Waterkotte be your representative and guide.
Other cases we take on in St. Francois County, 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. Francois County, MO Order of Protection Defense Lawyer Today
If you are confronted with an order of protection or seek legal guidance in such matters, we highly urge you to set up a consultation with Combs Waterkotte. During this crucial initial meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about the details of your case, express your concerns, and gain insights into the legal options open to you.
To begin the preliminary step in the direction of ensuring your defense in an order of protection case in St. Francois County, MO, reach out to an order of protection defense lawyer in St. Francois County, MO now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
With Combs Waterkotte, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout the legal journey, offering unwavering support, knowledge, and advocacy. Do not hesitate to reach out to us now to discuss your order of protection case in St. Francois County, MO and take proactive steps towards protecting your rights and future.
