University City, MO

Domestic violence defense attorneys in University City, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in University City, MO? These are grave charges that can have substantial 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 have served your country.

If you’re facing domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around University City, MO, act quickly to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and future. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys a call immediately 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 vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients in University City, MO and across Missouri for over 40 years. 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 University City, MO

Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence in University City, MO, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:

• Remain Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in the University City, MO area can be daunting and emotional. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent 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 skilled attorneys will provide you with legal guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and advocate on your behalf throughout the University City, MO legal process.
• Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to University City, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without first consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital to avoid 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 University City, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any critical 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 University City, MO

Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In University City, 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 striking, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
• Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, coercion, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
• Sexual Misconduct: 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 money or assets, obstructing 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.

What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the University City, MO Area?

The repercussions of domestic violence in and around University City, MO vary greatly depending on the severity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any relevant 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: Defined 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. 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 attempt 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: As outlined in 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: According to 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 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 significantly differ. Call the University City, MO domestic violence defense attorneys today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Why is it Critical to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in University City, MO?

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the University City, MO legal process. 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 benefits:

• Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in University City, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving 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 has a deep understanding of the local University City, 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 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 may involve challenging witness credibility, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
• Protection of Your Rights: An adept and skilled University City, 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 question witnesses against you. Your lawyer will work to prevent any violations of your rights by University City, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
• Familiarity with Local University City, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the University City, 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 as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
• Minimization of Consequences: A skilled attorney will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential repercussions of University City, MO domestic violence charges. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, in lieu of 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 unique circumstances of your case. Call our domestic violence defense attorneys now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Combs Waterkotte is a leading criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. In addition to expert legal representation from our skilled University City, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in University City, 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

Connect With the Top University City, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you find yourself confronting charges in the University City, MO area, it’s crucial to consult with 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 University City, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.