Domestic violence defense attorneys in DeKalb County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the DeKalb County, MO area? These are grave charges that carry significant consequences, potentially resulting in the loss of employment, custody of your children, or even your including the possibility of losing your job, losing custody of your children, or even your VA benefits if you’ve served your country.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around DeKalb County, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to protect 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-strings-attached 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, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the DeKalb County, MO area for over 40 years. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in DeKalb County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence in DeKalb County, MO, it’s essential to promptly take action to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stay Calm: Facing these allegations in the DeKalb County, MO area can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed to avoid escalating the situation any further.
- Consult With the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Consult with a team of experienced domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible. Our adept legal team will offer expert guidance, protect your rights, reputation, and future, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the DeKalb County, MO legal process.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to DeKalb County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital to avert 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. While your DeKalb County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any crucial updates. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.
Scenarios When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in DeKalb County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In DeKalb County, MO, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. This includes actions such as hitting, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, coercion, 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: Exercising control over financial resources, preventing access to funds or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to exert power and control.
- Child Abuse: Any form of mistreatment, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the family or household.
DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in DeKalb County, MO
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around DeKalb County, MO vary greatly depending on the severity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any prior criminal history. Convictions for domestic violence could entail both criminal and civil penalties, including:
- Probation
- Protective Orders
- Pain and Suffering
- Medical Expenses
- Counseling/Treatment Programs
- Incarceration
.
Under Missouri law, domestic assault charges are categorized into four degrees, with penalties escalating accordingly. For instance:
- First Degree Domestic Assault: Defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence encompasses attempts to kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This is a class B felony, unless it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. .
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This tier 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, which carries 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 in prison.
- Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: Under RSMo § 565.076, this level of assault encompasses any attempt to cause or negligently cause physical injury, pain, or illness to a household or family member. Fourth degree domestic assault constitutes a class A misdemeanor, which carries 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 crucial to bear in mind that the specifics of each case can vary substantially. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in DeKalb County, MO a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled DeKalb County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the DeKalb County, MO legal process. You need these types of lawyers on your side for the best possible outcome in your case. After hiring one, you get the following benefits:
- Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in DeKalb County, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not suggested. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local DeKalb County, 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 could include challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and skilled DeKalb County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure that your constitutional rights are protected 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 lawyer will work to prevent any infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near DeKalb County, MO.
- Familiarity with Local DeKalb County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the DeKalb County, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be instrumental in constructing an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimizing Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in DeKalb County, MO. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, rather than jail time. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer always has your best interests in mind and will strive to get you the best possible outcome given the specific circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call 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. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled DeKalb County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in DeKalb County, MO:
- Drug Crimes Lawyer
- Gun Crime Lawyer
- Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
- Homicide Lawyer
- Assault Lawyer
- Rape Defense Lawyer
- Sex Offense Lawyers
- DWI Attorney
- Crime Defense Lawyers
Connect With the Leading DeKalb County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting charges in or around DeKalb County, MO, it’s imperative to consult with 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 need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.
Call the DeKalb County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.