Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Benton, MO. Child abuse and neglect cases are some of the most challenging in Benton, MO and throughout Missouri. If you’re facing allegations of child abuse or neglect, you need to speak with a skilled child abuse & neglect lawyer at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible.
Call the legal team at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with one of the expert Benton, MO criminal defense attorneys. They bring more than 40 years of experience, extensive legal knowledge, deep understanding of family dynamics, and a wealth of resources to handle cases in Benton, MO just like yours with professionalism and empathy.
Legal Videos
What to Do When Accused of Domestic Violence in Missouri
This legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding "What Should I Do When Accused of Domestic Violence?" and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence charge in the …
What Happens During a Domestic Violence Investigation?
This legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding "What Happens During a Domestic Violence Investigation in Missouri?" and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence …
What Are My Rights if Accused of Domestic Violence?
This domestic violence legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding "How Can I Get Domestic Violence Charges Dropped?" and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence …
Does Emotional Abuse Count as Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence cases can significantly influence various aspects of family law, especially child custody arrangements. When such charges arise, they often lead to complex legal challenges and …
How Can I Get Domestic Violence Charges Dropped?
Domestic violence cases can significantly influence various aspects of family law, especially child custody arrangements. When such charges arise, they often lead to complex legal challenges and …
Can a Domestic Violence Charge Affect Child Custody?
Domestic violence cases can significantly influence various aspects of family law, especially child custody arrangements. When such charges arise, they often lead to complex legal challenges and …
What to Do When Accused of Domestic Violence in Missouri
This legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding "What Should I Do When Accused of Domestic Violence?" and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence charge in the …
What Happens During a Domestic Violence Investigation?
This legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding "What Happens During a Domestic Violence Investigation in Missouri?" and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence …
What Are My Rights if Accused of Domestic Violence?
This domestic violence legal video covers a commonly asked question regarding "How Can I Get Domestic Violence Charges Dropped?" and how Combs Waterkotte can help you with your domestic violence …
Does Emotional Abuse Count as Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence cases can significantly influence various aspects of family law, especially child custody arrangements. When such charges arise, they often lead to complex legal challenges and …
How Can I Get Domestic Violence Charges Dropped?
Domestic violence cases can significantly influence various aspects of family law, especially child custody arrangements. When such charges arise, they often lead to complex legal challenges and …
Can a Domestic Violence Charge Affect Child Custody?
Domestic violence cases can significantly influence various aspects of family law, especially child custody arrangements. When such charges arise, they often lead to complex legal challenges and …
In Benton, MO and across Missouri, child abuse and neglect are legally defined by a series of statutes that cover physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and failure to provide necessary care or supervision. Charges can emerge from various circumstances, including suspected physical harm, emotional trauma, lack of proper nutrition, or unsafe living conditions. However, we know not every accusation is grounded in fact. That’s precisely why these cases must be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Benton, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer.
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Support From a Combs Waterkotte Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer in Benton, MO
A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Benton, MO can help protect you and your future through:
- Customized Defense Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case is unique, requiring a personalized approach. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Benton, MO will develop a defense or advocacy plan tailored to the specific circumstances of your case, taking into account evidence, witness testimony, and legal precedents in Benton, MO and beyond that support your position.
- Handling False Allegations in Benton, MO: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise for various reasons. A skilled Benton, MO attorney can collect evidence, conduct a detailed investigation, and work with relevant experts to clear your name if you’re wrongly accused.
- Advocacy for Family and Juvenile Court: Family court and juvenile court proceedings for child abuse cases require a legal team with a nuanced understanding of Benton, MO legal procedures and social work reports. A Benton, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer will handle court filings, represent you during hearings, and ensure compliance with court orders in the Benton, MO area.
How is Child Abuse & Neglect Defined in Benton, MO?
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 210.110, child abuse is the deliberate harm – whether physical, sexual, or emotional – inflicted on a child by someone responsible for their welfare:
- Physical Abuse: Any physical injury, other than by accident, caused by someone responsible for the child’s care.
- Emotional Abuse: Any emotional abuse inflicted upon a child by someone responsible for their care.
- Sexual Abuse: Any sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
Neglect is defined as not providing a child with the care they need to maintain their physical and mental health, such as:
- Not providing adequate nutrition
- Failure to arrange necessary medical or surgical care
- Failure to provide basic educational resources
- Failure to provide proper support
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
Consequences of Child Abuse & Neglect in Benton, MO
Penalties for Benton, MO child abuse and neglect depend on the circumstances of your case – including the offense’s severity and the child’s injuries. Your Benton, MO attorney will work to lighten these penalties, often through strategic plea negotiations and highlighting any mitigating factors. Based on RSMo. § 568.060, potential penalties in Benton, MO may include:
- Class D Felony: Standard child abuse or neglect charges in Benton, MO that do not involve serious harm often constitute a Class D felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines as high as $10,000. Also, you must serve a minimum of 1 year before parole eligibility.
- Class B Felony: If the abuse results in serious physical or emotional harm in Benton, MO – referring to a physical injury that poses a substantial risk of death or causes significant disfigurement or long-term impairment to bodily function, or emotional harm that creates a substantial risk of temporary or permanent psychological damage – the charges increase to a Class B felony. This carries a possible sentence of 5 to 15 years without parole eligibility until at least 5 years are served.
- Class A Felony: If the abuse results in the child’s death or involves severe sexual abuse, especially for children under 14, the offense may be classified as a Class A felony – punishable by 10-30 years or even life imprisonment, with no eligibility for parole for the first 15 years.
In addition to the above criminal sentencing, you could be stripped of your parental or custodial rights by the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division. The DSS preponderance of evidence standard in proving these accusations.
If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect in Benton, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch with us online for help.
Key Factors in to Consider in Your Benton, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case
In Benton, MO, child abuse and neglect cases frequently arise from claims by relatives, acquaintances, or neighbors who allege they witnessed concerning behavior. At times, these accounts may be exaggerated or even intentionally misrepresented. The Combs Waterkotte Benton, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers have extensive experience in scrutinizing these reports and defending clients throughout Benton, MO. Some important factors in any child abuse or neglect case are:
- Under RSMo. § 210.115.1, individuals in certain professions – such as educators, social workers, coaches, and medical staff – are considered “mandatory reporters.” These professionals are legally obligated to report and suspected instances of child abuse or neglect in Benton, MO, either by calling the DSS hotline or submitting an online report.
- When a staff member at a medical facility suspects child abuse or neglect, the attending physician should be informed immediately. Any physical evidence, like color photographs or x-rays of the suspected injury, must be sent to the Children’s Division promptly, without needing parental or guardian consent.
- If a physician, police officer, or other law enforcement official in the Benton, MO area believes that a child is suffering from illness or injury, or is in danger of personal harm by reason of their surroundings, and that a case of child abuse or neglect already exists, a request may be made that a juvenile officer take the child into protective custody. If it is perceived that the child is in imminent danger or suffering serious physical harm or a threat to their life, the physician, police officer, or other law enforcement official may take or retain temporary protective custody of the child without the consent of the child’s parent, guardian, or others legally responsible for the child’s care.
- If any child near Benton, MO is suspected to be a victim of sexual molestation or sexual abuse, the Children’s Division must be alerted within 24 hours.
- In cases of known or suspected child abuse or neglect, provider-patient confidentiality does not apply, meaning consent is not necessary to share information with the Children’s Divsion for an investigation.
- While Missouri law excludes cases of withheld medical treatment based on legitimate religious beliefs from being classified as neglect, healthcare providers are encouraged to petition the court if a child’s health is seriously compromised, enabling the court to make necessary medical decisions for the child’s protection.
When you are facing child abuse or neglect charges in or around Benton, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring the ideal child abuse & neglect lawyer in Benton, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Benton, MO residents:
What to Expect from Your Combs Waterkotte Benton, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
From your initial consultation to the end of your case, the experienced attorneys at Combs Waterkotte will guide you through every phase of your case. The Combs Waterkotte Benton, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers offer:
- Client-Centered Communication: At Combs Waterkotte, we make sure that you’re never left in the dark. We ensure that you’re fully involved in all decisions, offering clear explanations of your legal options and helping you understand the possible outcomes in your Benton, MO case.
- Thorough Case Review: We meticulously review all aspects of your case, including evidence, witness statements, and social service reports, to ensure a complete understanding of the situation and all influencing factors.
- Commitment to Privacy: Child abuse and neglect cases in Benton, MO are highly sensitive, and a skilled attorney will prioritize client privacy, ensuring all information is handled with confidentiality.
- Expert Consultation: When necessary, we collaborate with medical professionals, psychologists, social workers, and other experts to develop a well-rounded case in Benton, MO that addresses both the legal and emotional components of your situation.
Arrested for Child Abuse & Neglect in Benton, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Now
Being accused of child abuse or neglect in Benton, MO is a serious matter that requires an attorney who is both knowledgeable and compassionate. These cases are often emotionally charged, and you need an expert Benton, MO lawyer who understands Missouri’s laws and can protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.
Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free case review where you can discuss the specifics of your Benton, MO case with a top-rated attorney and get legal advice and guidance on your options and next steps.
