Domestic violence defense attorneys in Washington County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in the Washington County, MO area? These are grave charges that carry significant consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you’re facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Washington County, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action 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, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients in Washington County, MO and across Missouri for more than 40 years. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering commitment to our clients’ rights and freedoms.
Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in Washington County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Washington County, MO, it’s imperative to take immediate steps to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stay Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in the Washington County, MO area can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed to avoid 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 will provide you with legal guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the Washington County, MO legal process.
- Assert and Maintain Your Innocence: Refrain from making any statements to Washington County, 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: Keep abreast of the developments in your case and the progress of legal proceedings. While your Washington 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 Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Washington County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the Washington County, MO area, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. Includes hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
- Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, including rape, coerced sexual acts, and sexual harassment within an intimate relationship.
- Stalking: Persistent, unwelcome surveillance, pursuit, monitoring, or harassment leading to fear, distress, or psychological anguish.
- Economic Control: Controlling or withholding 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 maltreatment, abuse, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the family or household.
Washington County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Washington County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Washington County, MO Area?
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Washington County, MO can vary significantly based on factors such as the gravity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, 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: Under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence encompasses attempts to cause or knowingly inflict serious physical injury. This is a class B felony, unless you inflict serious injury on the individual, in which case it is a class A felony. .
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This tier 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 a class C felony, which carries 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: According to RSMo § 565.076, this degree 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, carrying 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 important to remember that the intricacies of each case can vary drastically. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Washington County, MO 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 Washington County, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the Washington 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 benefits:
- Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Washington County, 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 proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local Washington County, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable defense attorney will craft a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances 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 the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and knowledgeable Washington County, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte will ensure 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 question witnesses against you. Your lawyer will work to prevent any violations of your rights by Washington County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Familiarity with Local Washington County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Washington County, MO court system has invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be vital in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimization of Consequences: A skilled attorney will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential repercussions of domestic violence charges in Washington County, MO. This may involve pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, rather than incarceration. 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 right 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 Washington County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in Washington 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 Washington County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence charges in or around Washington County, MO, it’s imperative to seek counsel from a a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation hang in the balance. You work hard; so should your lawyers. You deserve a legal team that embodies a perfect blend of empathy, tenacity, and expertise.
Call the Washington County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.