Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Des Peres, MO. Child abuse and neglect cases are some of the most challenging in Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO just like yours with professionalism and empathy.
In Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer.
Support From a Combs Waterkotte Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer in Des Peres, MO
A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Des Peres, MO can help protect you and your future through:
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case has unique elements, necessitating a customized defense. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Des Peres, MO will create a plan specifically designed for your situation, drawing on evidence, witness accounts, and relevant precedents in and around Des Peres, MO, to reinforce your case.
- Defense Against False Allegations in Des Peres, MO: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise for various reasons. A skilled Des Peres, MO attorney can collect evidence, conduct a detailed investigation, and work with relevant experts to clear your name if you’re wrongly accused.
- Representation in Family and Juvenile Court: Legal representation in family and juvenile courts requires specific knowledge of Des Peres, MO legal procedures and family dynamics. A Combs Waterkotte attorney will ensure court filings, representation, and compliance are handled efficiently throughout your case in Des Peres, MO.
What is Considered Child Abuse & Neglect in Des Peres, MO?
Under Missouri Revised Statute § 210.110, child abuse is defined as an intentional infliction of physical, sexual, or emotional harm on a child by someone responsible for their care:
- 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 activity or exploitation of a child by a caregiver or custodian.
Neglect is defined as the failure to provide a child with the care they need to maintain their physical and mental health, such as:
- Failure to give proper nutrition
- Not obtaining required medical, surgical, or other treatments
- Failure to provide basic educational resources
- Failure to provide proper support
St. Louis County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Louis County and Missouri.
Legal Penalties for Child Abuse & Neglect in Des Peres, MO
Penalties for Des Peres, MO child abuse and neglect vary based on the specifics of your case – including the severity of the offense and the resulting harm to the child. An experienced Des Peres, MO defense attorney will work to lighten these penalties, often through strategic plea negotiations and highlighting any mitigating factors. Based on RSMo. § 568.060, penalties in Des Peres, MO can include:
- Class D Felony: Standard child abuse or neglect charges in Des Peres, MO that do not involve serious harm often constitute a Class D felony, which can result in up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Also, you must serve a minimum of 1 year before parole eligibility.
- Class B Felony: In cases where abuse leads to severe physical or emotional harm, such as substantial disfigurement or prolonged psychological impact, charges are elevated to a Class B felony in Des Peres, MO, with sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years and a minimum of 5 years served before parole eligibility.
- 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. This carries a potential sentence of 10-30 years or life, with no parole eligibility for at least 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 evaluates these cases on a operates on a preponderance of evidence basis, meaning they only need to establish that it is more likely than not that the allegations are true.
If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect in Des Peres, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch with us online for help.
Key Factors in to Consider in Your Des Peres, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case
In Des Peres, 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 Des Peres, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers have extensive experience in scrutinizing these reports and defending clients throughout Des Peres, MO. Key considerations in any child abuse or neglect case include:
- Under RSMo. § 210.115.1, professionals in specific fields, including teachers, social workers, coaches, and healthcare providers, are designated as “mandatory reporters.” This classification requires them to report any suspected instance of child abuse or neglect in the Des Peres, MO through the DSS hotline or via online reporting.
- 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.
- In cases where a physician, police officer, or law enforcement official in Des Peres, 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 there is evidence of sexual molestation or sexual abuse of any child near Des Peres, MO, the Children’s Division must be notified within 24 hours.
- The provider-patient confidentiality privilege does not apply to situations involving known or suspected child abuse or neglect. No consent is required to release information to the Children’s Division when investigating suspected abuse.
- 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.
If you’re facing child abuse or neglect charges in Des Peres, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal child abuse & neglect lawyer in Des Peres, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide lawyers, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for residents in Des Peres and beyond:
What You Can Expect from Your Combs Waterkotte Des Peres, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
From initial case review to post-court follow ups in Des Peres, MO, a knowledge attorney will work with you every step. The Combs Waterkotte Des Peres, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers provide:
- Client-Centered Communication: Combs Waterkotte always keeps Des Peres, MO clients informed and involved in every decision, working on your behalf with your best interests in mind, explaining options and providing clear insight into legal processes and potential outcomes.
- Comprehensive Case Assessment: We take the time to examine every detail of your case, reviewing witness statements, evidence, and social service reports in Des Peres, MO to gain a complete understanding of the situation and any complexities.
- Commitment to Confidentiality: Understanding the sensitive nature of child abuse and neglect cases in Des Peres, MO, we prioritize client privacy and make sure all personal information is handled with utmost discretion.
- Collaboration with Experts: When needed, we bring in specialists such as medical professionals, psychologists, and social workers to build a case that addresses both the legal and emotional dimensions of your situation in Des Peres, MO.
Accused of Child Abuse & Neglect in Des Peres, MO? Reach Out to Combs Waterkotte Immediately
If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect in Des Peres, MO, you need to hire a lawyer with compassion, dedication, and specialized knowledge of Missouri’s statutes. After all, these cases are sensitive family matters. An expert child abuse & neglect lawyer in Des Peres, MO can make sure that your case is handled with care, expertise, and a focus on 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.