Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Jennings, MO. Child abuse and neglect cases are some of the most challenging in Jennings, 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.
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 Jennings, 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 Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer.
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How a Combs Waterkotte Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Can Help in Jennings, MO
A Combs Waterkotte lawyer specialized in Jennings, MO child abuse and neglect can help defend you and your future by providing:
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case has unique elements, necessitating a customized defense. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Jennings, MO will develop a defense strategy customized to your Jennings, MO case, leveraging local and statewide legal precedents along with specific evidence and testimony that supports your position.
- Handling Jennings, MO False Allegations: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise for various reasons. A skilled attorney in Jennings, MO will conduct a comprehensive investigation and consult with experts to provide proof of innocence and restore your reputation if wrongly accused.
- Skilled Advocacy in Family and Juvenile Court: Navigating family and juvenile court in child abuse cases requires a keen understanding of Jennings, MO court procedures and social work documentation. A child abuse & neglect lawyer in Jennings, MO will manage filings, represent you in court, and ensure all procedural requirements are met throughout the Jennings, MO court proceedings.
How is Child Abuse & Neglect Defined in Jennings, 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 non-accidental physical injury caused by a caregiver or person responsible for the child.
- Emotional Abuse: Acts that result in emotional harm or distress to the child by an individual responsible for their care.
- Sexual Abuse: Any sexual exploitation or inappropriate contact directed toward a child by a caregiver or individual in a position of trust.
Neglect is defined as not providing a child with the care they need to maintain their physical and mental health, such as:
- Failure to provide proper nutrition
- Not obtaining required medical, surgical, or other treatments
- Lack of educational support
- 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.
Consequences of Child Abuse & Neglect in Jennings, MO
In Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO attorney can advocate to minimize penalties by negotiating plea agreements and presenting mitigating factors. According to RSMo. § 568.060, potential penalties in Jennings, MO may include:
- Class D Felony: Standard child abuse or neglect charges in Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO, with sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years and a minimum of 5 years served before parole eligibility.
- Class A Felony: In Jennings, 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 – 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 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 Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case
In Jennings, 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 Jennings, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers are well-versed in thoroughly investigating these claims and safeguarding clients’ rights in and around Jennings, MO. Some important factors in any child abuse or neglect case are:
- 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 Jennings, MO through the DSS hotline or via online reporting.
- 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 Jennings, 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 Jennings, 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’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.
If you are facing child abuse or neglect charges in or around Jennings, MO and hire Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a leading child abuse & neglect lawyer in Jennings, MO and throughout Missouri – you are securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide lawyers, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Jennings, MO residents:
What You Can Expect from a Combs Waterkotte Jennings, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
From initial case review to post-court follow ups in Jennings, MO, a knowledge attorney will work with you every step. The Combs Waterkotte Jennings, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers provide:
- Clear and Supportive Communication: We make sure our Jennings, 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.
- 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: We recognize that Jennings, 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 Collaboration: When necessary, we collaborate with medical professionals, psychologists, social workers, and other experts to develop a well-rounded case in Jennings, MO that addresses both the legal and emotional components of your situation.
Accused of Child Abuse & Neglect in Jennings, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Immediately
If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect in Jennings, MO, it’s critical to have an attorney who combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach. These cases often involve sensitive family dynamics, and an experienced Jennings, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer will handle your case with care while advocating for the best possible outcome for you and your family.
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.
