Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer DeKalb County, MO. Facing child abuse or neglect allegations can be an overwhelming experience, and having the right support in DeKalb County, MO is crucial. If you’re dealing with these challenging accusations, consult with a knowledgeable child abuse & neglect lawyer as soon as possible.
Call the Combs Waterkotte team at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to arrange a free, confidential consultation with one of our skilled DeKalb County, MO criminal defense attorneys in DeKalb County, MO. Our team has decades of experience, an in-depth understanding of Missouri law, and extensive resources dedicated to managing cases with professionalism and sensitivity.
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 …
Across DeKalb County, MO and Missouri, child abuse and neglect encompasses a broad range of offenses as outlined by a series of state statutes. These may include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or failure to provide essential care and safety. Unfortunately, not all allegations are substantiated, which makes thorough investigation by an experienced DeKalb County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer essential to ensure a fair process.
-
Protect Your Life
![Image]()
Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Title
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
How a Combs Waterkotte Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Can Help in DeKalb County, MO
A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in DeKalb County, MO can help protect you and your future through:
- Customized Defense Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case has its own set of challenges and details. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO and beyond that support your position.
- Protection from False Allegations in DeKalb County, MO: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise for various reasons. An experienced lawyer in DeKalb County, MO can collect evidence, conduct a detailed investigation, and work with relevant experts to clear your name if you’re wrongly accused.
- Skilled Advocacy in Family and Juvenile Court: Legal representation in family and juvenile courts requires specific knowledge of DeKalb County, MO legal procedures and family dynamics. A Combs Waterkotte attorney will ensure court filings, representation, and compliance are handled efficiently throughout your case in DeKalb County, MO.
How is Child Abuse & Neglect Defined in DeKalb County, 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: Acts that result in emotional harm or distress to the child by an individual responsible for their care.
- Sexual Abuse: Any sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
Neglect is defined as the failure to provide a child with the care they need to maintain their physical and mental health, such as:
- Not providing adequate nutrition
- Not obtaining required medical, surgical, or other treatments
- Lack of educational support
- Failure to provide proper support
DeKalb County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in DeKalb County and Missouri.
Penalties for Child Abuse & Neglect in DeKalb County, MO
In DeKalb County, MO, the consequences for child abuse and neglect vary, shaped by the details of the offense, its impact on the child, and any prior history. With skilled representation, your DeKalb County, MO attorney can advocate to minimize penalties by negotiating plea agreements and presenting mitigating factors. According to RSMo. § 568.060, some of the possible penalties in DeKalb County, MO include:
- Class D Felony: Less severe child abuse or neglect cases in DeKalb County, MO that lack substantial physical harm are typically charged as Class D felonies, punishable by up to 7 years in prison and fines as high as $10,000. Parole may be possible after serving a minimum of 1 year.
- Class B Felony: In DeKalb County, MO, if child abuse results in considerable physical or emotional injury – such as lasting impairment or psychological damage – it’s escalated to a Class B felony, with sentences of 5 to 15 years, requiring at least 5 years served before parole is possible.
- Class A Felony: For instances involving the child’s death or serious sexual abuse, especially for children under 14, the offense may be 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 DeKalb County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch with us online for help.
Important Factors to Consider in Your DeKalb County, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case
Child abuse and neglect claims in DeKalb County, MO frequently start with family members, friends, or neighbors who say they witnessed the act(s), possibly exaggerating or downright falsifying what they saw or heard. The Combs Waterkotte DeKalb County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers have decades of experience investigating these types of claims and defending clients’ rights and futures throughout the DeKalb County, MO area. Critical aspects of any child abuse or neglect case include:
- Under RSMo. § 210.115.1, members of certain occupational groups, including social workers, teachers, coaches, and medical professionals, are considered “mandatory reporters.” They must report any occurrences of DeKalb County, MO child abuse or neglect, either to the DSS hotline or online.
- Whenever a staff member of a medical institution suspects child abuse or neglect, the physician in charge must be notified immediately. Documentation of the physical trauma – color photographs and/or x-rays – should be sent to the Children’s Division as soon as possible. No consent from a parent or guardian is required.
- In cases where a physician, police officer, or law enforcement official in DeKalb County, MO suspects that a child is at risk due to illness, injury, or hazardous surroundings, they may request that a juvenile officer place the child in protective custody. If it appears that the child is in imminent danger or facing severe physical harm, medical and law enforcement personnel are permitted to take temporary protective custody without the need for consent from the child’s parent or legal guardian.
- If any child near DeKalb County, MO is suspected to be a victim of sexual molestation or sexual abuse, the Children’s Division must be alerted within 24 hours.
- Missouri’s child protection laws waive provider-patient confidentiality in cases of confirmed or suspected child abuse or neglect, allowing information to be shared with the Children’s Division without requiring parental consent.
- Missouri’s laws do specifically exclude from suspected child abuse or neglect the scenario where a child doesn’t receive specified medical treatment by reason of the legitimate practice of the religious beliefs of the child’s parent, guardian, or others legally responsible for the child. However, this doesn’t preclude a court hearing on whether medical services should be provided to a child whose health requires it. It is incumbent on the healthcare provider to petition the court in situations where the life or well-being of the child is in danger to allow the court to act on behalf of the child.
When you are accused of child abuse or neglect in or around DeKalb County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just selecting a leading child abuse & neglect lawyer in DeKalb County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for DeKalb County, MO residents:
What to Expect from Your Combs Waterkotte DeKalb County, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
From the moment you first meet with us to the end of your case in DeKalb County, MO the Combs Waterkotte DeKalb County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers will be there to support you at every stage. Our attorneys offer:
- Client-Centered Communication: We make sure our DeKalb County, MO clients are fully informed and involved throughout the legal process. Your attorney will explain your options clearly, help you understand potential outcomes, and make decisions with your best interests at the forefront.
- Comprehensive 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: Understanding the sensitive nature of child abuse and neglect cases in DeKalb County, MO, we prioritize client privacy and make sure all personal information is handled with utmost discretion.
- Collaboration with Experts: When necessary, we collaborate with medical professionals, psychologists, social workers, and other experts to develop a well-rounded case in DeKalb County, MO that addresses both the legal and emotional components of your situation.
Accused of Child Abuse & Neglect in DeKalb County, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Now
Being accused of child abuse or neglect in DeKalb County, 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 DeKalb County, MO lawyer who understands Missouri’s laws and can protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome.
Call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to arrange a free case review. Let one of our skilled attorneys review the details of your case and help you navigate the next steps in your defense.
