Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer O’Fallon, MO. Child abuse and neglect cases are some of the most challenging in O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO
A skilled attorney from Combs Waterkotte, specializing in child abuse and neglect cases throughout the O’Fallon, MO area, can help protect your rights and future by providing:
- Customized Defense Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case has unique elements, necessitating a customized defense. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO and beyond that support your position.
- Protection from O’Fallon, MO False Allegations: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise for various reasons. An experienced lawyer in O’Fallon, MO will conduct a comprehensive investigation and consult with experts to provide proof of innocence and restore your reputation if wrongly accused.
- Representation in Family and Juvenile Court: Navigating family and juvenile court in child abuse cases requires a keen understanding of O’Fallon, MO court procedures and social work documentation. A child abuse & neglect lawyer in O’Fallon, MO will manage filings, represent you in court, and ensure all procedural requirements are met throughout the O’Fallon, MO court proceedings.
What is Considered Child Abuse & Neglect in O’Fallon, MO?
Under Missouri Revised Statute § 210.110, child abuse is legally recognized as the intentional infliction of physical, emotional, sexual harm by a caregiver or person responsible for the child’s well-being:
- 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 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 critical to their physical and mental well-being. Examples include:
- Not providing adequate nutrition
- Failure to provide necessary medical, surgical, or other care
- Lack of educational support
- Insufficient financial or emotional support
St. Charles County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in St. Charles County and Missouri.
Penalties for Child Abuse & Neglect in O’Fallon, MO
Penalties for O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, MO defense attorney will work to reduce these penalties, often through strategic plea negotiations and by presenting mitigating factors. Based on RSMo. § 568.060, penalties in O’Fallon, MO can include:
- Class D Felony: Basic charges of O’Fallon, 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. 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 O’Fallon, 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 charge may reach a Class A felony. This carries a potential sentence of 10-30 years or life, with no parole eligibility for at least 15 years.
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 charged with child abuse and neglect in O’Fallon, MO or anywhere else in Missouri, call Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Important Factors to Consider in Your O’Fallon, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case
Allegations of child abuse and neglect in O’Fallon, MO often stem from reports made be family members, friends, or neighbors who claim to have observed abusive behavior. These individuals may exaggerate or even fabricate details about what they saw or heard. The Combs Waterkotte O’Fallon, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers have extensive experience in scrutinizing these reports and defending clients throughout O’Fallon, MO. Critical aspects of any child abuse or neglect case include:
- Under RSMo. § 210.115.1, individuals in certain professions – such as educators, social workers, coaches, and medical staff – are considered “mandatory reporters.” These professionals are legally obligated to report and suspected instances of child abuse or neglect in O’Fallon, MO, either by calling the DSS hotline or submitting an online report.
- 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.
- In situations where a physician, police officer, or law enforcement official in O’Fallon, MO believes a child’s safety is compromised due to illness, injury, or dangerous surroundings, they may request intervention from a juvenile officer. Should there be an imminent threat of serious physical harm or life-threatening conditions, authorities are authorized to assume temporary protective custody of the child without the need for parental or guardian consent.
- If any child near O’Fallon, MO is suspected to be a victim of sexual molestation or sexual abuse, the Children’s Division must be alerted 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.
When you are accused of child abuse or neglect in O’Fallon, MO and partner with Combs Waterkotte, you aren’t just choosing a top-rated child abuse & neglect lawyer in O’Fallon, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with expert criminal defense from our knowledgeable homicide attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and offers expertise in the following areas for O’Fallon, MO residents:
What to Expect from Your Combs Waterkotte O’Fallon, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
From initial case review to post-court follow ups in O’Fallon, MO, a knowledge attorney will work with you every step. The Combs Waterkotte O’Fallon, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers provide:
- Client-Centered Communication: At Combs Waterkotte, we make sure that you’re never left in the dark. We ensure that you’re fully involved in all decisions, offering clear explanations of your legal options and helping you understand the possible outcomes in your O’Fallon, MO case.
- Thorough Case Review: A full review of the circumstances, including any witness statements, evidence, and social service reports in O’Fallon, MO, is conducted to fully understand all factors of your case.
- Commitment to Confidentiality: Understanding the sensitive nature of child abuse and neglect cases in O’Fallon, MO, we prioritize client privacy and make sure all personal information is handled with utmost discretion.
- Expert Collaboration: 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 O’Fallon, MO.
Accused of Child Abuse & Neglect in O’Fallon, MO? Reach Out to Combs Waterkotte Immediately
If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect in O’Fallon, MO, it’s critical to have an attorney who combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach. After all, these cases are sensitive family matters. An expert child abuse & neglect lawyer in O’Fallon, 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.
