Wentzville, MO

Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Wentzville, MO. Child abuse and neglect cases are some of the most challenging in Wentzville, 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 legal team at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with one of the expert Wentzville, MO criminal defense attorneys. They bring more than 40 years of experience, extensive legal knowledge, deep understanding of family dynamics, and a wealth of resources to handle cases in Wentzville, MO just like yours with professionalism and empathy.

In Wentzville, MO and across Missouri, child abuse and neglect are legally defined by a series of statutes that cover physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and failure to provide necessary care or supervision. Charges can emerge from various circumstances, including suspected physical harm, emotional trauma, lack of proper nutrition, or unsafe living conditions. However, we know not every accusation is grounded in fact. That’s precisely why these cases must be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Wentzville, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer.

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

A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Wentzville, MO can help protect you and your future through:

• Customized Defense Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case has its own set of challenges and details. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO and beyond that support your position.
• Protection from Wentzville, MO False Allegations: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise from misinterpretations or even malintent. An experienced lawyer in Wentzville, MO 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 Wentzville, MO legal procedures and social work reports. A Wentzville, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer will handle court filings, represent you during hearings, and ensure compliance with court orders in the Wentzville, MO area.

What is Considered Child Abuse & Neglect in Wentzville, MO?

Under Missouri Revised Statute § 210.110, child abuse is defined as an intentional infliction of physical, sexual, or emotional harm on a child by someone responsible for their care:

• 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 exploitation or inappropriate contact directed toward a child by a caregiver or individual in a position of trust.

Neglect is defined as the failure to provide a child with the care they need to maintain their physical and mental health, such as:

• Failure to give proper nutrition
• Not obtaining required medical, surgical, or other treatments
• Failure to provide adequate education
• Failure to provide proper support

Consequences of Child Abuse & Neglect in Wentzville, MO

Penalties for Wentzville, MO child abuse and neglect depend on the circumstances of your case – including the offense’s severity and the child’s injuries. An experienced Wentzville, MO defense attorney will work to lighten these penalties, often through strategic plea negotiations and by presenting mitigating factors. Based on RSMo. § 568.060, penalties in Wentzville, MO can include:

• Class D Felony: Standard child abuse or neglect charges in Wentzville, 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: In Wentzville, 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: If the abuse results in the child’s death or involves severe sexual abuse, especially for children under 14, the charge may reach a Class A felony. This carries a potential sentence of 10-30 years or life, with no parole eligibility for at least 15 years.

Beyond potential criminal penalties, your parental or custodial rights may also be revoked by the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division if they substantiate the accusations. 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 Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case

In Wentzville, 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. The Combs Waterkotte Wentzville, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers have decades of experience investigating these types of claims and defending clients’ rights and futures throughout the Wentzville, MO area. Critical aspects of any child abuse or neglect case include:

• 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 Wentzville, MO through the DSS hotline or via online reporting.
• When a staff member at a medical facility suspects child abuse or neglect, the attending physician should be informed immediately. Any physical evidence, like color photographs or x-rays of the suspected injury, must be sent to the Children’s Division promptly, without needing parental or guardian consent.
• If a physician, police officer, or other law enforcement official in the Wentzville, MO area believes that a child is suffering from illness or injury, or is in danger of personal harm by reason of their surroundings, and that a case of child abuse or neglect already exists, a request may be made that a juvenile officer take the child into protective custody. If it is perceived that the child is in imminent danger or suffering serious physical harm or a threat to their life, the physician, police officer, or other law enforcement official may take or retain temporary protective custody of the child without the consent of the child’s parent, guardian, or others legally responsible for the child’s care.
• If there are indications of sexual molestation or sexual abuse involving a child in the Wentzville, MO area, the Children’s Division must be informed within 24 hours.
• Missouri’s child protection laws waive provider-patient confidentiality in cases of confirmed or suspected child abuse or neglect, allowing information to be shared with the Children’s Division without requiring parental consent.
• 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.

When you’re accused of child abuse or neglect in the Wentzville, MO area and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring a top-rated child abuse & neglect lawyer in Wentzville, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Wentzville 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 a Combs Waterkotte Wentzville, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer

From initial case review to post-court follow ups in Wentzville, MO, a knowledge attorney will work with you every step. The Combs Waterkotte Wentzville, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers provide:

• Clear and Supportive Communication: We make sure our Wentzville, MO clients are fully informed and involved throughout the legal process. Your attorney will explain your options clearly, help you understand potential outcomes, and make decisions with your best interests at the forefront.
• Thorough Case Assessment: A full review of the circumstances, including any witness statements, evidence, and social service reports in Wentzville, MO, is conducted to fully understand all factors of your case.
• Commitment to Confidentiality: Understanding the sensitive nature of child abuse and neglect cases in Wentzville, MO, we prioritize client privacy and make sure all personal information is handled with utmost discretion.
• Collaboration with Experts: When necessary, we collaborate with medical professionals, psychologists, social workers, and other experts to develop a well-rounded case in Wentzville, MO that addresses both the legal and emotional components of your situation.

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

Being accused of child abuse or neglect in Wentzville, 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 Wentzville, MO lawyer who understands Missouri’s laws and can protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.

Reach out to Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free case review. Discuss your case with a skilled attorney who will provide you with legal advice and the clarity you need to make informed decisions.