Franklin County, MO

Domestic violence defense attorneys in Franklin County, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in the Franklin County, MO area? These are grave charges that can have substantial consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.

If you are confronting domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Franklin 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 contact 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 a distinguished criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients throughout the Franklin County, MO area for more than four decades. 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 Franklin County, MO

Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Franklin 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 Franklin County, MO can be daunting and emotional. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
• Contact the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our skilled attorneys will provide you with legal guidance, protect your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in Franklin County, MO.
• Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Franklin 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 Franklin 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. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Situations When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Franklin County, MO

Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the Franklin County, MO area, instances of domestic violence could include:

• Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. This includes actions such as striking, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
• Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-worth 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 financial dependency to exert power and control.
• 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.

Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Franklin County, MO

Penalties for domestic violence in and around Franklin 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:

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

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Missouri law breaks domestic assault charges into the following four degrees:

• 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 offense is classified as a class B felony, unless it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. A class B felony carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while the class A felony maximum is life in prison.
• 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 categorized as a class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
• Third Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault involves causing physical injury, knowingly inflicting physical pain or illness upon a household or domestic member, or negligently endangering or isolating them. This offense constitutes a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
• Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: Governed by RSMo § 565.076, this degree of assault encompasses any attempt to cause or negligently cause physical injury, pain, or illness to any member of your household or family. Fourth degree domestic assault constitutes a class A misdemeanor, carrying 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 important to remember that the intricacies of each case can vary drastically. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Franklin County, MO a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Franklin County, MO?

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the Franklin County, MO area. You need these types of lawyers on your side for the best possible outcome in your case. After hiring one, you get the following advantages:

• Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Franklin 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 suggested. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local Franklin County, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
• Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will craft a strategic defense tailored to the specifics of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team conducts exhaustive investigations, gathers evidence, and identifies vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
• Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and skilled Franklin County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure that your constitutional rights are safeguarded throughout the legal proceedings. 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 work to prevent any infringements on your rights by Franklin County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
• Familiarity with Local Franklin County, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Franklin County, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be vital in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable outcome.
• Minimization of Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in Franklin County, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, rather than incarceration. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable outcome given the specific circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

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

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

Reach Out to the Top Franklin County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing domestic violence charges in or around Franklin 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 are on the line, underscoring the importance of retaining legal professionals who are as committed to your case as you are. You deserve a legal team that embodies a perfect blend of empathy, tenacity, and expertise.

Contact the Franklin County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.