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Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys University City, MO

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Last Updated: April 5, 2024

Domestic violence defense attorneys in University City, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in University 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 have served your country.

If you are facing domestic violence charges anywhere in or around University City, MO, act quickly to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys 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 a distinguished criminal defense law firm, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have vigorously advocated for the innocence of clients in University City, MO and across Missouri for over four decades. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering dedication to our clients’ rights and freedoms.

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Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in University City, MO

Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near University City, MO, it’s essential to take immediate steps 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 University City, MO can be daunting and emotional. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent 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 skilled attorneys will offer expert guidance, protect your rights, reputation, and future, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the University City, MO legal process.
  • 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 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 University City, 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. Also, be sure to ask questions if you have any uncertainties or concerns.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in University City, MO | University City, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

Scenarios When You Require Assistance From Domestic Violence Attorneys in University City, MO

Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the University City, MO area, instances of domestic violence could include:

  • Physical Violence: Considered any intentional physical harm or injury inflicted upon a family or household member. This includes actions such as striking, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
  • Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-esteem 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.
  • Financial Domination: Controlling or withholding financial resources, withholding access to funds or assets, obstructing employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence 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 familial or household context.

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

Penalties for domestic violence in and around University 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:

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Under Missouri law, domestic assault charges are categorized into four degrees, with penalties escalating accordingly. For instance:

  • First Degree Domestic Assault: Defined 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 is 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 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 categorized as a class C felony, which carries 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 level 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 in prison, unless you have a prior conviction of domestic assault, in which case it would be a class E felony.

It’s crucial to bear in mind that the intricacies of each case can vary drastically. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in University City, MO today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys University City, MO | Criminal Defense Law in University City, MO | Combs Waterkotte

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

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the University City, 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 University City, 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 University City, MO and state domestic violence laws 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 the credibility of witnesses, 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 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 confront witnesses against you. Your lawyer will diligently work to prevent any violations of your rights by University City, MO law enforcement or prosecutors.
  • Knowledge of Local University City, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the University City, MO court system possesses valuable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and routine courtroom procedures. This can be pivotal in building an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable resolution.
  • Minimization of Consequences: A proficient attorney will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in University City, MO. 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 right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 lawyers, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in University City and anywhere in Missouri:

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in University City, MO | University City, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

Reach Out to the Leading University City, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

If you are facing domestic violence allegations in the University City, MO area, it’s imperative to seek counsel from a 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.

Call the University City, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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