Violation of a Protective Order in Missouri

Violation of a Protective Order in Missouri

If you have a Missouri protective order entered against you, a violation of that order may result in a criminal charge of a violation of a protective order. Most orders of protection prevent you from communicating, stalking, abusing, or even going near the individual who has an order of protective against you.

In Missouri, if a police officer has probable cause to believe a party, against whom a protective order has been entered and who has notice of such order entered, has committed an act in violation of the protective order, the officer can arrest the offending party even when the alleged violation did not occur in the officer’s presence.

Unfortunately, in Missouri, police officers often arrest alleged violators for protective order violations based solely on the word or complaint of the alleged victim. In many cases, an individual may be falsely accused by a disgruntled boyfriend or girlfriend, spouse, or child. Nevertheless, the accused can face serious consequences for violating a protective order.

A Missouri violation of a protective order charge is a Class A misdemeanor. If the accused has previously pled guilty to or been found guilty of violating a protective order, he or she will be subject to a felony charge.

It is imperative that if you or a loved one is facing a violation of a protective order charge, you seek out an experienced and aggressive St. Louis violation of a protective order lawyer. The lawyers at Henderson & Waterkotte, P.C. can help you mount an aggressive defense to minimize the impact of a protective order violation. We handle protective orders in the greater St. Louis area and Jefferson County. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.