Domestic violence defense attorneys in Platte City, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in Platte City, MO? These are grave charges that can have lasting implications, 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 are confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Platte City, 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 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 a distinguished criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients in Platte City, MO and across Missouri for more than four decades. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.
What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Platte City, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Platte City, MO, it’s essential to promptly take action to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in Platte City, MO can be daunting and emotional. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed to avoid 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 adept legal team will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the Platte City, MO legal process.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Platte City, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital to prevent self-incrimination and to protect your legal rights.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the developments in your case and the progress of legal proceedings. While your Platte City, 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 uncertainties or concerns.
Situations When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Platte City, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In Platte City, MO, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. Includes striking, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior 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 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.
Platte County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Platte County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Platte City, MO
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Platte City, MO can vary significantly based on factors like the gravity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, 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
.
Missouri law breaks domestic assault charges into the following four degrees:
- First Degree Domestic Assault: Under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence includes any attempts to kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This offense is classified as a class B felony, unless you inflict serious injury on the individual, in which case it is 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 degree of domestic assault includes any endeavor to instrument,cause or knowingly cause serious injury with 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 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 offense constitutes a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
- 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 important to remember that the specifics of each case can vary substantially. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Platte City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Important to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Platte City, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the legal process throughout the Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO can bring on an array of complexities that could involve intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is not the best option. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Platte City, 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 will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. This may involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An adept and skilled Platte City, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure 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 work to prevent any infringements on your rights by Platte City, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Knowledge of Local Platte City, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Platte City, MO court system has invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be pivotal in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimizing Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of Platte City, MO domestic violence charges. 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. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Platte City, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Platte City, 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 Platte City, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence charges in or around Platte City, MO, it’s crucial to seek counsel from a a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation are on the line, underscoring the importance of retaining legal experts who are as committed to your case as you are. You need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.
Contact the Platte City, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.