Lexington, MO

Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Lexington, MO. Child abuse and neglect cases are some of the most challenging in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO criminal defense attorneys in Lexington, 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.

Across Lexington, MO and Missouri, child abuse and neglect encompasses a broad range of offenses as outlined by a series of state statutes. These may include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or failure to provide essential care and safety. Unfortunately, not all allegations are substantiated, which makes thorough investigation by an experienced Lexington, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer essential to ensure a fair process.

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

A skilled attorney from Combs Waterkotte, specializing in child abuse and neglect cases throughout the Lexington, MO area, can help protect your rights and future by providing:

• Customized Defense Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case has unique elements, necessitating a customized defense. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO and beyond that support your position.
• Protection from False Allegations in Lexington, MO: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise from misinterpretations or even malintent. A skilled Lexington, MO attorney will thoroughly investigate, gather critical evidence, and collaborate with professionals to establish the truth if you face wrongful accusations.
• Advocacy for Family and Juvenile Court: Family court and juvenile court proceedings for child abuse cases require a legal team with a nuanced understanding of Lexington, MO legal procedures and social work reports. A Lexington, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer will handle court filings, represent you during hearings, and ensure compliance with court orders in the Lexington, MO area.

How is Child Abuse & Neglect Defined in Lexington, 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: Actions or behaviors by a caregiver that cause significant emotional distress or harm.
• Sexual Abuse: Any sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.

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

• Not providing adequate nutrition
• Failure to arrange necessary medical or surgical care
• Lack of educational support
• Withholding necessary financial or emotional support

Penalties for Child Abuse & Neglect in Lexington, MO

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

• Class D Felony: Standard child abuse or neglect charges in Lexington, MO that do not involve serious harm often constitute a Class D felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines as high as $10,000. Also, you must serve a minimum of 1 year before parole eligibility.
• Class B Felony: If the abuse results in serious physical or emotional harm in Lexington, MO – referring to a physical injury that poses a substantial risk of death or causes significant disfigurement or long-term impairment to bodily function, or emotional harm that creates a substantial risk of temporary or permanent psychological damage – the charges increase to a Class B felony. This carries a possible sentence of 5 to 15 years without parole eligibility until at least 5 years are served.
• Class A Felony: For instances involving the child’s death or serious sexual abuse, especially for children under 14, the offense may be a Class A felony – punishable by 10-30 years or even life imprisonment, with no eligibility for parole for the first 15 years.

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’re facing child abuse and neglect charges in Lexington, MO don’t hesitate to reach out to Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Key Factors in to Consider in Your Lexington, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case

In Lexington, MO, child abuse and neglect cases frequently arise from claims by relatives, acquaintances, or neighbors who allege they witnessed concerning behavior. At times, these accounts may be exaggerated or even intentionally misrepresented. With decades of experience, the Combs Waterkotte Lexington, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers are well-versed in thoroughly investigating these claims and safeguarding clients’ rights in and around Lexington, MO. Some important factors in any child abuse or neglect case are:

• According to RSMo. § 210.115.1, individuals in certain professions – such as educators, social workers, coaches, and medical staff – are considered “mandatory reporters.” These professionals are legally obligated to report and suspected instances of child abuse or neglect in Lexington, MO, either by calling the DSS hotline or submitting an online report.
• 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 Lexington, 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 any child near Lexington, MO is suspected to be a victim of sexual molestation or sexual abuse, the Children’s Division must be alerted 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’re accused of child abuse or neglect in or around Lexington, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated child abuse & neglect lawyer in Lexington, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Lexington and beyond:

• 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 You Can Expect from Your Combs Waterkotte Lexington, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer

From your initial consultation to the end of your case, the experienced attorneys at Combs Waterkotte will guide you through every phase of your case. The Combs Waterkotte Lexington, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers offer:

• Transparent Communication: At Combs Waterkotte, we make sure that you’re never left in the dark. We ensure that you’re fully involved in all decisions, offering clear explanations of your legal options and helping you understand the possible outcomes in your Lexington, MO case.
• Thorough Case Review: A full review of the circumstances, including any witness statements, evidence, and social service reports in Lexington, MO, is conducted to fully understand all factors of your case.
• Commitment to Privacy: Understanding the sensitive nature of child abuse and neglect cases in Lexington, MO, we prioritize client privacy and make sure all personal information is handled with utmost discretion.
• Collaboration with Experts: Whenever needed, your Lexington, MO defense lawyer will consult medical specialists, social workers, psychologists, and other experts to build a comprehensive case that addresses both legal and emotional aspects.

Facing Child Abuse & Neglect Allegations in Lexington, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Right Away

If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect in Lexington, MO, it’s critical to have an attorney who combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach. After all, these cases are sensitive family matters. An expert child abuse & neglect lawyer in Lexington, MO can make sure that your case is handled with care, expertise, and a focus on 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.