Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Franklin County, MO. Facing child abuse or neglect allegations can be an overwhelming experience, and having the right support in Franklin County, MO is crucial. If you’re dealing with these challenging accusations, consult with a knowledgeable child abuse & neglect lawyer as soon as possible.
Get in touch with the experienced attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our Franklin County, MO criminal defense team brings over 40 years of experience, backed by a deep understanding of family law and the complexities of abuse cases. We approach every case with both legal acumen and compassion to help you through this challenging process.
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 …
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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 Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer.
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How a Combs Waterkotte Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Can Help in Franklin County, MO
A Combs Waterkotte lawyer specialized in Franklin County, MO child abuse and neglect can help defend you and your future by providing:
- Client-Centered Defense Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case has unique elements, necessitating a customized defense. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Franklin 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 Franklin County, MO and beyond that support your position.
- Protection from False Allegations in Franklin County, MO: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise for various reasons. An experienced Franklin County, MO attorney will thoroughly investigate, gather critical evidence, and collaborate with professionals to establish the truth if you face wrongful accusations.
- Representation in Family and Juvenile Court: Family court and juvenile court proceedings for child abuse cases require a legal team with a nuanced understanding of Franklin County, MO legal procedures and social work reports. A Franklin County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer will handle court filings, represent you during hearings, and ensure compliance with court orders in the Franklin County, MO area.
What is Considered Child Abuse & Neglect in Franklin 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: Non-accidental injuries or physical harm inflicted on the child by someone responsible for their care.
- Emotional Abuse: Actions or behaviors by a caregiver that cause significant emotional distress or harm.
- Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity or exploitation of a child by a caregiver or custodian.
Neglect refers to the inability or failure to meet a child’s essential needs, which are crucial to their physical and mental well-being. Examples include:
- Failure to provide proper nutrition
- Failure to arrange necessary medical or surgical care
- Lack of educational support
- Insufficient financial or emotional support
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Consequences of Child Abuse & Neglect in Franklin County, MO
Penalties for Franklin County, MO child abuse and neglect depend on the specifics of your case – including the severity of the offense and the resulting harm to the child. An experienced Franklin County, MO defense attorney will work to reduce these penalties, through plea negotiations and by presenting mitigating factors. According to RSMo. § 568.060, potential penalties in Franklin County, MO may include:
- Class D Felony: Standard child abuse or neglect charges in Franklin County, 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: In Franklin 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: In Franklin County, MO cases where the abuse causes the child’s death or involves severe sexual abuse, particularly for children under 14, the offense may be a Class A felony, carrying a prison term of 10-30 years or life, with a minimum of 15 years before parole eligibility.
Beyond potential criminal penalties, your parental or custodial rights may also be revoked by the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division if they substantiate the accusations. 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 Franklin County, MO, contact Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or get in touch with us online for help.
Key Factors in to Consider in Your Franklin County, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case
In Franklin County, 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. With decades of experience, the Combs Waterkotte Franklin County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers are well-versed in thoroughly investigating these claims and safeguarding clients’ rights in and around Franklin County, MO. Critical aspects of any child abuse or neglect case include:
- According to 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 Franklin County, MO through the DSS hotline or via online reporting.
- If any staff member within a healthcare facility suspects child abuse or neglect, they must notify the supervising physician immediately. Physical evidence – such as photographs or x-rays – should be submitted to the Children’s Division without waiting for consent.
- If a physician, police officer, or other law enforcement official in the Franklin County, 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 there is evidence of sexual molestation or sexual abuse of any child near Franklin County, MO, the Children’s Division must be notified 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.
- 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 Franklin County, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just hiring the ideal child abuse & neglect lawyer in Franklin County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our experienced homicide attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for Franklin County, MO residents:
What You Can Expect from a Combs Waterkotte Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers offer:
- Transparent Communication: Combs Waterkotte always keeps Franklin County, 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.
- Thorough Case Assessment: A full review of the circumstances, including any witness statements, evidence, and social service reports in Franklin County, MO, is conducted to fully understand all factors of your case.
- Commitment to Privacy: We recognize that Franklin County, MO child abuse and neglect cases are incredibly sensitive, which is why our team is committed to maintaining your confidentiality throughout the entire process, protecting all personal information.
- Expert Consultation: When necessary, we collaborate with medical professionals, psychologists, social workers, and other experts to develop a well-rounded case in Franklin County, MO that addresses both the legal and emotional components of your situation.
Facing Child Abuse & Neglect Allegations in Franklin County, MO? Get Help From Combs Waterkotte Immediately
If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect in Franklin County, 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 Franklin County, MO can make sure that your case is handled with care, expertise, and a focus on 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 Franklin County, MO case with a top-rated attorney and get legal advice and guidance on your options and next steps.
