Florissant, MO

Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Florissant, MO. Child abuse and neglect cases are some of the most challenging in Florissant, MO and throughout Missouri. If you’re facing allegations of child abuse or neglect, you need to speak with a skilled child abuse & neglect lawyer at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible.

Call the Combs Waterkotte team at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to arrange a free, confidential consultation with one of our skilled Florissant, MO criminal defense attorneys in Florissant, MO. Our team has decades of experience, an in-depth understanding of Missouri law, and extensive resources dedicated to managing cases with professionalism and sensitivity.

Missouri law, defined by a series of statutes, identifies various forms of child abuse and neglect, covering physical injury, emotional harm, and neglect. Accusations can arise under circumstances such as alleged physical harm, inadequate care, or unsafe living conditions. That’s why an experienced child abuse & neglect lawyer in Florissant, MO is vital to help navigate and address these complex cases fairly.

How a Combs Waterkotte Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Can Help in Florissant, MO

A Combs Waterkotte lawyer specialized in Florissant, MO child abuse and neglect can help defend you and your future by providing:

• Client-Centered Defense Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case has its own set of challenges and details. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Florissant, MO will develop a defense or advocacy plan tailored to the specific circumstances of your case, taking into account evidence, witness testimony, and legal precedents in Florissant, MO and beyond that support your position.
• Protection from False Allegations in Florissant, MO: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise for various reasons. A skilled lawyer in Florissant, MO can collect evidence, conduct a detailed investigation, and work with relevant experts to clear your name if you’re wrongly accused.
• Skilled Advocacy in Family and Juvenile Court: Navigating family and juvenile court in child abuse cases requires a keen understanding of Florissant, MO court procedures and social work documentation. A child abuse & neglect lawyer in Florissant, MO will manage filings, represent you in court, and ensure all procedural requirements are met throughout the Florissant, MO court proceedings.

Understanding Child Abuse & Neglect in Florissant, MO

Under Missouri Revised Statute § 210.110, child abuse is legally recognized as the intentional infliction of physical, emotional, sexual harm by a caregiver or person responsible for the child’s well-being:

• Physical Abuse: Any physical injury, other than by accident, caused by someone responsible for the child’s care.
• Emotional Abuse: Acts that result in emotional harm or distress to the child by an individual responsible for their care.
• Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity or exploitation of a child by a caregiver or custodian.

Neglect is defined as not providing a child with the care they need to maintain their physical and mental health, such as:

• Failure to provide proper nutrition
• Failure to provide necessary medical, surgical, or other care
• Failure to provide adequate education
• Failure to provide proper support

Penalties for Child Abuse & Neglect in Florissant, MO

Penalties for Florissant, MO child abuse and neglect vary based on the circumstances of your case – including the offense’s severity and the child’s injuries. An experienced Florissant, MO defense attorney will work to reduce these penalties, through plea negotiations and highlighting any mitigating factors. Based on RSMo. § 568.060, some of the possible penalties in Florissant, MO include:

• Class D Felony: Basic charges of Florissant, MO child abuse or neglect without serious injury typically fall under a Class D felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines as high as $10,000. Parole may be possible after serving a minimum of 1 year.
• Class B Felony: In Florissant, MO, if child abuse results in considerable physical or emotional injury – such as lasting impairment or psychological damage – it’s escalated to a Class B felony, with sentences of 5 to 15 years, requiring at least 5 years served before parole is possible.
• Class A Felony: For instances involving the child’s death or serious sexual abuse, especially for children under 14, the offense may be classified as a Class A felony, carrying a prison term of 10-30 years or life, with a minimum of 15 years before parole eligibility.

In addition to the above criminal sentencing, you could be stripped of your parental or custodial rights by the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division. The DSS makes determinations based on a preponderance of evidence standard, a lower threshold than in criminal court where they only need to prove that it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred.

If you’ve been charged with child abuse and neglect in Florissant, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Important Factors to Consider in Your Florissant, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case

Child abuse and neglect claims in Florissant, MO frequently start with family members, friends, or neighbors who say they witnessed the act(s), possibly exaggerating or downright falsifying what they saw or heard. With decades of experience, the Combs Waterkotte Florissant, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers are well-versed in thoroughly investigating these claims and safeguarding clients’ rights in and around Florissant, MO. Some important factors in any child abuse or neglect case are:

• Under RSMo. § 210.115.1, professionals in specific fields, including teachers, social workers, coaches, and healthcare providers, are designated as “mandatory reporters.” This classification requires them to report any suspected instance of child abuse or neglect in the Florissant, MO through the DSS hotline or via online reporting.
• If any staff member within a healthcare facility suspects child abuse or neglect, they must notify the supervising physician immediately. Physical evidence – such as photographs or x-rays – should be submitted to the Children’s Division without waiting for consent.
• In cases where a physician, police officer, or law enforcement official in Florissant, MO suspects that a child is at risk due to illness, injury, or hazardous surroundings, they may request that a juvenile officer place the child in protective custody. If it appears that the child is in imminent danger or facing severe physical harm, medical and law enforcement personnel are permitted to take temporary protective custody without the need for consent from the child’s parent or legal guardian.
• If there are indications of sexual molestation or sexual abuse involving a child in the Florissant, MO area, the Children’s Division must be informed within 24 hours.
• In cases of known or suspected child abuse or neglect, provider-patient confidentiality does not apply, meaning consent is not necessary to share information with the Children’s Divsion for an investigation.
• Missouri’s laws do specifically exclude from suspected child abuse or neglect the scenario where a child doesn’t receive specified medical treatment by reason of the legitimate practice of the religious beliefs of the child’s parent, guardian, or others legally responsible for the child. However, this doesn’t preclude a court hearing on whether medical services should be provided to a child whose health requires it. It is incumbent on the healthcare provider to petition the court in situations where the life or well-being of the child is in danger to allow the court to act on behalf of the child.

If you are facing child abuse or neglect charges in Florissant, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a leading child abuse & neglect lawyer in Florissant, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Florissant, MO residents:

• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

What to Expect from Your Combs Waterkotte Florissant, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer

From the moment you first meet with us to the end of your case in Florissant, MO the Combs Waterkotte Florissant, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers will be there to support you at every stage. Our attorneys offer:

• Clear and Supportive Communication: Combs Waterkotte always keeps Florissant, MO clients informed and involved in every decision, working on your behalf with your best interests in mind, explaining options and providing clear insight into legal processes and potential outcomes.
• Comprehensive Case Review: We take the time to examine every detail of your case, reviewing witness statements, evidence, and social service reports in Florissant, MO to gain a complete understanding of the situation and any complexities.
• Commitment to Confidentiality: Child abuse and neglect cases in Florissant, MO are highly sensitive, and a skilled attorney will prioritize client privacy, ensuring all information is handled with confidentiality.
• Collaboration with Experts: When necessary, we collaborate with medical professionals, psychologists, social workers, and other experts to develop a well-rounded case in Florissant, MO that addresses both the legal and emotional components of your situation.

Accused of Child Abuse & Neglect in Florissant, MO? Get Help From Combs Waterkotte Immediately

Being accused of child abuse or neglect in Florissant, MO is a serious matter that requires an attorney who is both knowledgeable and compassionate. These cases are often emotionally charged, and you need an expert Florissant, MO lawyer who understands Missouri’s laws and can protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.

Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to arrange a free case review. Let one of our skilled attorneys review the details of your case and help you navigate the next steps in your defense.