Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Union, MO. Facing child abuse or neglect allegations can be an overwhelming experience, and having the right support in Union, MO is crucial. If you’re dealing with these challenging accusations, consult with a knowledgeable child abuse & neglect lawyer as soon as possible.
Call the legal team at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential consultation with one of the expert Union, MO criminal defense attorneys. They bring more than 40 years of experience, extensive legal knowledge, deep understanding of family dynamics, and a wealth of resources to handle cases in Union, MO just like yours with professionalism and empathy.
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 …
Missouri law, defined by a series of statutes, identifies various forms of child abuse and neglect, covering physical injury, emotional harm, and neglect. Accusations can arise under circumstances such as alleged physical harm, inadequate care, or unsafe living conditions. That’s why an experienced child abuse & neglect lawyer in Union, MO is vital to help navigate and address these complex cases fairly.
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How a Combs Waterkotte Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer Can Help in Union, MO
A skilled attorney from Combs Waterkotte, specializing in child abuse and neglect cases throughout the Union, MO area, can help protect your rights and future by providing:
- Customized Defense Strategy: Each child abuse or neglect case is unique, requiring a personalized approach. A Combs Waterkotte child abuse & neglect lawyer in Union, 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 Union, MO and beyond that support your position.
- Handling False Allegations in Union, MO: False accusations of child abuse or neglect can arise for various reasons. A skilled Union, MO attorney 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: Family court and juvenile court proceedings for child abuse cases require a legal team with a nuanced understanding of Union, MO legal procedures and social work reports. A Union, MO child abuse & neglect lawyer will handle court filings, represent you during hearings, and ensure compliance with court orders in the Union, MO area.
What is Considered Child Abuse & Neglect in Union, MO?
Under 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: 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 the failure to provide a child with the care they need to maintain their physical and mental health, such as:
- Failure to give proper nutrition
- Failure to arrange necessary medical or surgical care
- Failure to provide basic educational resources
- Failure to provide proper support
Franklin County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Franklin County and Missouri.
Legal Penalties for Child Abuse & Neglect in Union, MO
Penalties for Union, MO child abuse and neglect vary based on the circumstances of your case – including the offense’s severity and the child’s injuries. An experienced Union, MO defense attorney will work to reduce these penalties, often through strategic plea negotiations and highlighting any mitigating factors. Based on RSMo. § 568.060, some of the possible penalties in Union, MO include:
- Class D Felony: Less severe child abuse or neglect cases in Union, MO that lack substantial physical harm are typically charged as Class D felonies, 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 Union, 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 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 preponderance of evidence standard in proving these accusations.
If you’re facing child abuse and neglect charges in Union, MO don’t hesitate to reach out to Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Important Points to Consider in Your Union, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Case
In Union, 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 Union, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers are well-versed in thoroughly investigating these claims and safeguarding clients’ rights in and around Union, MO. Key considerations in any child abuse or neglect case include:
- According to 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 Union, 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 cases where a physician, police officer, or law enforcement official in Union, 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 Union, MO area, the Children’s Division must be informed within 24 hours.
- The provider-patient confidentiality privilege does not apply to situations involving known or suspected child abuse or neglect. No consent is required to release information to the Children’s Division when investigating suspected abuse.
- 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’re accused of child abuse or neglect in the Union, MO area and choose Combs Waterkotte, you’re not just selecting a top-rated child abuse & neglect lawyer in Union, MO and throughout Missouri – you are protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future. In addition to expert criminal defense from our esteemed homicide attorneys, our legal team is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for residents in Union and beyond:
What to Expect from Your Combs Waterkotte Union, MO Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
From the moment you first meet with us to the end of your case in Union, MO the Combs Waterkotte Union, MO child abuse & neglect lawyers will be there to support you at every stage. Our attorneys offer:
- Transparent 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 Union, MO case.
- Thorough Case Assessment: We take the time to examine every detail of your case, reviewing witness statements, evidence, and social service reports in Union, MO to gain a complete understanding of the situation and any complexities.
- Commitment to Privacy: Child abuse and neglect cases in Union, MO are highly sensitive, and a skilled attorney will prioritize client privacy, ensuring all information is handled with confidentiality.
- Expert Collaboration: When necessary, we collaborate with medical professionals, psychologists, social workers, and other experts to develop a well-rounded case in Union, MO that addresses both the legal and emotional components of your situation.
Accused of Child Abuse & Neglect in Union, MO? Get Help From Combs Waterkotte Now
If you’ve been accused of child abuse or neglect in Union, 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 Union, 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 Union, MO case with a top-rated attorney and get legal advice and guidance on your options and next steps.
