Domestic Violence Law in St. Louis
Orders of Protection can be obtained in Domestic violence, or adult abuse by the state of Missouri, cases. Cases of this nature include:
- Physical abuse
- Mental or emotional abuse
- Coercion
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful imprisonment
- Harassment
- Stalking
If you or someone you care has been the victim of domestic violence, the attorneys at Cavanagh and Associates can assist you in obtaining protections orders.
Protective orders, often referred to as restraining orders, are legal orders issued by the courts requiring one person to stop harming another.
Protective orders can be filed in an adult abuse case against someone with you are or were married to, are or were living with, are or were having a romantic relationship with, or against a relative.
- For stalking victims, protective orders can be filed against anyone- regardless of relation.
- Protective orders are designed to provide physical safety from threat and abuse, and to do so quickly.
An Order of Protection can be entered in the county where the abuse occurs, or where the victim resides.
Orders generally prohibit the accused abuser from entering the home where the victim resides or communicate with the victim.
Some orders will outline other prohibited activity.
Once filed, the order is issued ex parte- without a hearing. This initial order is temporary, until a hearing can be held.
Within 15 days, a hearing will be held to determine if the ex parte protection will be made into a full order of protection.
A full order of protection is issued for a period of time no longer than one year.
