Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Kennett, MO

Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Kennett, MO. Child abuse and neglect cases are some of the most challenging in Kennett, 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 Kennett, 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.

In Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer.

Support From a Combs Waterkotte Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer in Kennett, MO

A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Kennett, MO can help protect you and your future through:

• Client-Centered Defense Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case is unique, requiring a personalized approach. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Kennett, MO will create a plan specifically designed for your situation, drawing on evidence, witness accounts, and relevant precedents in and around Kennett, MO, to reinforce your case.
• Handling Kennett, MO False Allegations: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise for various reasons. A skilled attorney in Kennett, 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: Family court and juvenile court proceedings for child abuse cases require a legal team with a nuanced understanding of Kennett, MO legal procedures and social work reports. A Kennett, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer will handle court filings, represent you during hearings, and ensure compliance with court orders in the Kennett, MO area.

What is Considered Child Abuse & Neglect in Kennett, 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: Non-accidental injuries or physical harm inflicted on the child by someone responsible for their 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:

• Failure to provide proper nutrition
• Failure to provide necessary medical, surgical, or other care
• Failure to provide basic educational resources
• Insufficient financial or emotional support

Consequences of Child Abuse & Neglect in Kennett, MO

Penalties for Kennett, MO child abuse and neglect depend on the circumstances of your case – including the offense’s severity and the child’s injuries. Your Kennett, MO attorney will work to reduce these penalties, through plea negotiations and by presenting mitigating factors. Based on RSMo. § 568.060, some of the possible penalties in Kennett, MO include:

• Class D Felony: Standard child abuse or neglect charges in Kennett, 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. Parole may be possible after serving a minimum of 1 year.
• Class B Felony: If the abuse results in serious physical or emotional harm in Kennett, 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: If the abuse results in the child’s death or involves severe sexual abuse, especially for children under 14, the offense may be classified as 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 criminal sentencing, you could also face a loss of parental rights imposed by the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division. The DSS preponderance of evidence standard in proving these accusations.

If you’re facing child abuse and neglect charges in Kennett, MO don’t hesitate to reach out to Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Important Points to Consider in Your Kennett, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case

In Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers are well-versed in thoroughly investigating these claims and safeguarding clients’ rights in and around Kennett, MO. Critical aspects of any child abuse or neglect case include:

• According to 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 Kennett, 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.
• If a physician, police officer, or other law enforcement official in the Kennett, 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 any child near Kennett, 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.
• 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.

When you’re accused of child abuse or neglect in or around Kennett, MO and choose Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just hiring a top-rated child abuse & neglect lawyer in Kennett, 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 staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Kennett, MO residents:

• Drivers License Reinstatement Attorney
• Careless Imprudent Driving Attorneys
• Weapons Crime Attorney

What to Expect from Your Combs Waterkotte Kennett, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer

From the moment you first meet with us to the end of your case in Kennett, MO the Combs Waterkotte Kennett, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers will be there to support you at every stage. Our attorneys offer:

• Client-Centered Communication: We make sure our Kennett, 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: A full review of the circumstances, including any witness statements, evidence, and social service reports in Kennett, MO, is conducted to fully understand all factors of your case.
• Commitment to Confidentiality: We recognize that Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO that addresses both the legal and emotional components of your situation.

Facing Child Abuse & Neglect Allegations in Kennett, MO? Contact Combs Waterkotte Right Away

Being accused of child abuse or neglect in Kennett, 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 Kennett, MO lawyer who understands Missouri’s laws and can protect your rights and seek 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 Kennett, MO case with a top-rated attorney and get legal advice and guidance on your options and next steps.