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St. Louis County, MO

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Last Updated: April 5, 2024

Domestic violence defense attorneys in St. Louis County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in St. Louis County, MO? These are serious allegations that carry significant consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.

If you are facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around St. Louis County, MO, act quickly to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and future. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys a call as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case one-on-one with an experienced attorney.

Combs Waterkotte is an award-winning criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients in St. Louis County, MO and across Missouri for more than 40 years. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering dedication to our clients’ rights and freedoms.

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Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in St. Louis County, MO

If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in St. Louis County, MO, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:

  • Remain Calm: Facing these allegations in St. Louis County, MO can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
  • Consult With the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our adept legal team will offer expert guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in St. Louis County, MO.
  • Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to St. Louis County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to prevent self-incrimination and to protect your legal rights.
  • Stay Informed: Stay in-the-know about the progress of your case and any developments in the legal proceedings. Your St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will obviously keep you in the loop, but be sure to keep all lines of communication open so as to not miss anything vital. Also, be sure to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in St. Louis County, MO | St. Louis County, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

Scenarios When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in St. Louis County, MO

Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In St. Louis County, MO, instances of domestic violence may involve:

  • Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. This includes actions such as hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
  • Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-esteem and autonomy.
  • Sexual Misconduct: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, including rape, coerced sexual acts, and sexual harassment within an intimate relationship.
  • Stalking: Persistent and unwanted monitoring, surveillance, following, or harassment that causes fear, anxiety, or emotional distress.
  • Economic Control: Exercising control over financial resources, preventing access to funds or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to assert dominance.
  • Child Abuse: Any form of maltreatment, abuse, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the familial or household context.

What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the St. Louis County, MO Area?

Penalties for domestic violence in and around St. Louis County, MO vary greatly depending on the gravity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any prior criminal history. Convictions for domestic violence may entail both criminal and civil penalties, including:

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Under Missouri law, domestic assault charges are categorized into four degrees, with penalties escalating accordingly. For instance:

  • First Degree Domestic Assault: Under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence encompasses attempts to cause or knowingly inflict serious physical injury. This offense is classified as a class B felony, unless it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. The former carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, while the latter can result in life imprisonment.
  • Second Degree Domestic Assault: This degree of domestic assault includes any endeavor to inflict serious injury knowingly, utilizing a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is a class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment.
  • Third Degree Domestic Assault: As outlined in RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault is causing physical injury or knowingly causing physical pain or illness to a household or domestic member, or knowingly putting them in harm’s way or isolating them through negligent behavior. This is a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years imprisonment.
  • Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.076, this level of assault includes any attempt to cause or negligently cause physical injury, pain, or illness to any member of your household or family. Fourth degree domestic assault is a class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, unless you have a prior conviction of domestic assault, in which case it would be a class E felony.

It’s crucial to bear in mind that the intricacies of each case can vary drastically. Give the St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys St. Louis County, MO | Criminal Defense Law in St. Louis County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Why is it Critical to Hire a Skilled St. Louis County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the St. Louis County, MO area. Engaging such experienced legal representation is pivotal for securing the most favorable outcome in your case. After retaining their services, you gain access to the following advantages:

  • Legal Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in St. Louis County, MO can bring on an array of complexities that could involve intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not the best option. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local St. Louis County, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
  • Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team in the prosecution’s case. This may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
  • Protection of Your Rights: An experienced and knowledgeable St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal proceedings. This includes your right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to question witnesses against you. Your lawyer will work to prevent any infringements on your rights by St. Louis County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
  • Familiarity with Local St. Louis County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the St. Louis County, MO court system possesses invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be pivotal in constructing an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable resolution.
  • Minimizing Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential repercussions of domestic violence charges in St. Louis County, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, rather than jail time. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable outcome given the unique circumstances of your case. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in St. Louis County and anywhere in Missouri:

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in St. Louis County, MO | St. Louis County, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

Reach Out to the Top St. Louis County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you find yourself confronting allegations in or around St. Louis County, MO, it’s crucial to seek counsel from a a qualified attorney who can provide guidance and representation tailored to your specific situation. Your freedom and reputation hang in the balance. You work hard; so should your lawyers. You deserve a legal team that embodies a perfect blend of empathy, tenacity, and expertise.

Call the St. Louis County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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