Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Howell County, MO. Facing child abuse or neglect allegations can be an overwhelming experience, and having the right support in Howell 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 Howell 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 …
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 Howell 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 Howell County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer.
-
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
Support From a Combs Waterkotte Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer in Howell County, MO
A Combs Waterkotte lawyer specialized in Howell County, MO child abuse and neglect can help defend you and your future by providing:
- 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 Howell County, MO will create a plan specifically designed for your situation, drawing on evidence, witness accounts, and relevant precedents in and around Howell County, MO, to reinforce your case.
- Defense Against False Allegations in Howell County, MO: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can stem from miscommunications, misunderstandings, or malicious intent. A skilled Howell County, MO attorney 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 Howell 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 Howell County, MO.
Understanding Child Abuse & Neglect in Howell County, MO
According to 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 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:
- Not providing adequate nutrition
- Not obtaining required medical, surgical, or other treatments
- Failure to provide basic educational resources
- Failure to provide proper support
Howell County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Howell County and Missouri.
Legal Penalties for Child Abuse & Neglect in Howell County, MO
Penalties for Howell County, 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 Howell County, MO defense attorney will work to lighten these penalties, often through strategic plea negotiations and by presenting mitigating factors. According to RSMo. § 568.060, some of the possible penalties in Howell County, MO include:
- Class D Felony: Basic charges of Howell County, MO child abuse or neglect without serious injury typically fall under 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 Howell County, 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: 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 makes determinations based on a preponderance of evidence standard, a lower threshold than in criminal court where they only need to prove that it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred.
If you’ve been charged with child abuse and neglect in Howell County, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Important Points to Consider in Your Howell County, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case
In Howell 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 Howell County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers are well-versed in thoroughly investigating these claims and safeguarding clients’ rights in and around Howell County, MO. Key considerations in 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 Howell County, MO child abuse or neglect, either to the DSS hotline or online.
- 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 Howell 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 there are indications of sexual molestation or sexual abuse involving a child in the Howell County, MO area, the Children’s Division must be informed 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 law excludes cases where a child’s care is withheld due to the valid religious beliefs of the parent or guardian from qualifying as abuse or neglect. However, the healthcare provider may request a court hearing if a child’s health is at risk, allowing the court to intervene as needed for the child’s well-being.
If you’re facing child abuse or neglect charges in Howell County, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated child abuse & neglect lawyer in Howell County, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Howell County and beyond:
What You Can Expect from a Combs Waterkotte Howell County, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
From the moment you first meet with us to the end of your case in Howell County, MO the Combs Waterkotte Howell County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers will be there to support you at every stage. Our attorneys offer:
- Transparent Communication: Combs Waterkotte always keeps Howell 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.
- Comprehensive Case Assessment: We take the time to examine every detail of your case, reviewing witness statements, evidence, and social service reports in Howell County, MO to gain a complete understanding of the situation and any complexities.
- Commitment to Privacy: Understanding the sensitive nature of child abuse and neglect cases in Howell County, MO, we prioritize client privacy and make sure all personal information is handled with utmost discretion.
- Collaboration with Experts: Whenever needed, your Howell County, MO defense lawyer will consult medical specialists, social workers, psychologists, and other experts to build a comprehensive case that addresses both legal and emotional aspects.
Accused of Child Abuse & Neglect in Howell County, MO? Reach Out to Combs Waterkotte Now
If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect in Howell County, MO, you need to hire a lawyer with compassion, dedication, and specialized knowledge of Missouri’s statutes. These cases often involve sensitive family dynamics, and an experienced Howell County, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer will handle your case with care while advocating for the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Reach out to Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free case review. Discuss your case with a skilled attorney who will provide you with legal advice and the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
