Evidence in Missouri Domestic Violence Cases
How to gather, organize, and safely store evidence for DV-related legal cases in Missouri.
Understanding Evidence in Domestic Violence Cases
Types of Evidence
Evidence can take many forms to support a case or protective order. Common types include:
- Written records such as messages, emails, or journals
- Photographs or videos showing injuries or property damage
- Witness statements from people who observed relevant events
- Medical or police reports created after incidents
- Audio recordings or phone logs in some cases
Safety and Backup Considerations
Keeping evidence safe is important. Copies should be stored securely and separately from originals to prevent loss. Consider using trusted contacts or encrypted storage. However, consider the risks that collecting or possessing certain evidence could pose to personal safety.
Use of Evidence in Legal Processes
Evidence may be used in different legal contexts, including:
- Protective Orders: To demonstrate patterns of behavior or specific incidents supporting the need for protection.
- Criminal Cases: To support charges or defense related to domestic violence incidents.
- Custody and Family Law: To inform decisions about child custody or visitation by showing safety concerns or relevant circumstances.
Recording Laws and Cautions
Laws on recording conversations or communications vary by location. Some places require all parties to consent, while others require only one party. Recording without proper consent may have legal consequences and affect the use of that evidence. It is advisable to understand the local laws where you live or seek legal information before making recordings.