Domestic violence defense attorneys in Platte County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the Platte County, MO area? 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’re confronting domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Platte County, MO, act quickly to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 an award-winning criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients in Platte County, MO and across Missouri 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.
Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in Platte County, MO
Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Platte County, MO, it’s essential 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 the Platte 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: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our adept legal team will provide you with legal guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process in Platte County, MO.
- Assert Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Platte 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: Keep abreast of the developments in your case and the progress of legal proceedings. Your Platte 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 important. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.
Scenarios When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Platte County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In Platte County, MO, instances of domestic violence may involve:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. Includes striking, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, coercion, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-esteem 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.
- Financial Domination: Exercising control over financial resources, withholding access to funds or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting financial dependency 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.
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 County, MO
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Platte County, MO can vary significantly based on factors like the gravity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any prior criminal history. Domestic violence charges can result in criminal and civil consequences, including fines, probation, protective orders, pain and suffering, medical expenses, counseling/treatment programs, and 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 encompasses 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 degree of domestic assault includes any attempt to instrument,cause or knowingly cause serious injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is 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: Governed by RSMo § 565.076, this level of assault includes any attempt to cause or negligently cause physical injury, pain, or illness to a household or family member. Fourth degree domestic assault is 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 intricacies of each case can vary drastically. Give the Platte County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Platte County, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the Platte County, 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 Proficiency: Domestic violence cases in Platte County, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Going at it alone is ill-advised. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Platte County, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances 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 experienced and skilled Platte County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected 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 diligently work to prevent any infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Platte County, MO.
- Knowledge of Local Platte County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Platte County, MO court system has valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be pivotal in constructing an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimization of Consequences: A proficient lawyer will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of Platte County, MO domestic violence charges. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, in lieu of incarceration. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer always has your best interests in mind and will strive to get you the best possible outcome given the unique 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. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled Platte County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Platte County and anywhere in Missouri:
- 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
Reach Out to the Leading Platte County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence allegations in or around Platte County, MO, it’s crucial 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.
Contact the Platte County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.