Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined by Missouri Law as the occurrence of stalking, physical harm, substantial emotional distress, threatening, and/or stalking between family and/or household members. When domestic violence circumstances arise and law enforcement becomes involved the situation can become much more hectic.

Procedure

Usually fifteen days after the original petition for protection was filed, the court will hold a hearing on the domestic violence complaint. This gives the person accused of the abuse an opportunity to tell his or her side of the story. The court then decides whether to issue a full order of protection for a period of 6 months to one year, or at all.

Protecting Yourself from Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is very serious. If you have been a victim of domestic violence we are here to help keep you safe and secure. If you are being abused by a spouse, victimized by inter-family violence, stalked, or threatened we can help you to obtain an order of protection. We can represent you at the hearing or merely give you advice on how to proceed.

Defending Yourself Against Domestic Violence

In some instances the alleged perpetrator might not have meant for the situation to escalate in the manner it did. In other instances the accusations are used merely as a device to gain leverage in a pending proceeding. In cases a domestic violence alleged victim will file for divorce while a full order of protection is in effect. The alleged abuser may have a very difficult time protecting his or her interests in any child custody or visitation dispute while the order remains in effect. The judge can order that the alleged abuser be removed from the family home and even have supervised visitation with parties’ children. We understand that orders of protection can impact your daily life and we are here to assist you in bring your routine back to normal. If you have a hearing approaching call our office to set up an appointment so that we may start helping you prepare your defense to the charges of abuse and work toward vacating the order.

The website listed below will help with additional information.
http://ago.mo.gov/publications/domesticviolence.pdf