Benton, MO

Domestic violence defense attorneys in Benton, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the Benton, MO area? These are serious allegations that can have lasting implications, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.

If you’re confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Benton, 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 contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review. During this confidential meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the particulars of your case directly with one of our experienced attorneys.

Combs Waterkotte is an award-winning criminal defense law firm, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients in Benton, MO and across Missouri for more than 40 years. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering dedication to our clients’ rights and freedoms.

What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Benton, MO

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

• Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in Benton, MO can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
• Contact the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Consult with a team of experienced domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible. Our skilled attorneys will offer expert guidance, safeguard your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the Benton, MO legal process.
• Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Benton, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to avoid self-incrimination and to protect your legal rights.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the developments in your case and the progress of legal proceedings. Your Benton, 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 important. Also, be sure to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.

Scenarios When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in Benton, MO

Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the Benton, MO area, instances of domestic violence may involve:

• Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. This includes actions such as hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
• Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
• Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, encompassing offenses such as 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: Controlling or withholding financial resources, preventing access to money 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 family or household.

What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Benton, MO Area?

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

• Probation
• Protective Orders
• Pain and Suffering
• Medical Expenses
• Counseling/Treatment Programs
• Incarceration

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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 includes any 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 tier of domestic assault includes any attempt to inflict serious injury knowingly, utilizing a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is categorized as a class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years imprisonment.
• Third Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault is causing physical injury, knowingly inflicting physical pain or illness upon a household or domestic member, or negligently endangering or isolating them. This is a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
• Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: Under 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, carrying a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment. However, if there is a prior domestic assault conviction, it elevates to a class E felony.

It’s important to remember that the intricacies of each case can vary substantially. Give the Benton, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Benton, MO?

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the Benton, 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 Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Benton, 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 ill-advised. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local Benton, MO and state domestic violence laws and the criminal justice system.
• Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable 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 witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
• Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and knowledgeable Benton, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure that your constitutional rights are safeguarded throughout your legal process. This includes your right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to confront witnesses against you. Your attorney will diligently work to prevent any violations of your rights by Benton, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
• Familiarity with Local Benton, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Benton, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be pivotal in constructing an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
• Minimizing Consequences: A skilled attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of Benton, MO domestic violence charges. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, in lieu of jail time. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable outcome given the specific circumstances of your case. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer

Connect With the Top Benton, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing domestic violence charges in the Benton, MO vicinity, it’s imperative to seek counsel from a a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation hang in the balance. You work hard; so should your lawyers. You need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.

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