Domestic violence defense attorneys in DeKalb County, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in DeKalb County, MO? These are grave charges that can have lasting implications, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you’re confronting domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around DeKalb County, MO, act quickly to safeguard 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 an award-winning criminal defense law firm, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients in DeKalb County, MO and across Missouri for over 40 years. Our unparalleled track 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 DeKalb County, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near DeKalb County, MO, it’s imperative to promptly take action to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here are the steps you should take:
- Remain Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in DeKalb County, MO 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: Consult with a team of experienced domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible. Our adept legal team will offer expert guidance, protect your rights, reputation, and future, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the DeKalb County, MO legal process.
- Maintain Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to DeKalb County, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without 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 DeKalb 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 uncertainties or concerns.
Situations When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in DeKalb County, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In the DeKalb 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. This includes actions such as striking, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control 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 money or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to assert dominance.
- 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.
DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.
Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in DeKalb County, MO
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around DeKalb County, MO vary greatly depending on the severity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, 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: Defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence includes any 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. 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 endeavor to inflict serious injury knowingly, utilizing 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 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 imprisonment.
- Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.076, this degree 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 significantly differ. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in DeKalb County, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled DeKalb County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorney?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not the best option. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local DeKalb County, MO and state domestic violence laws 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 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.
- Protection of Your Rights: An experienced and skilled DeKalb 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 question witnesses against you. Your lawyer will diligently work to prevent any infringements on your rights by DeKalb County, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
- Knowledge of Local DeKalb County, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the DeKalb County, MO court system has valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be instrumental in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome.
- Minimizing Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in DeKalb County, MO. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, in lieu of jail time. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable 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 DeKalb County, MO domestic violence defense lawyers, we provide assistance in the following areas for clients in DeKalb County and anywhere in Missouri:
Connect With the Top DeKalb County, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you find yourself confronting allegations in the DeKalb County, MO area, it’s imperative to consult with a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. 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 DeKalb County, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.