Domestic violence defense attorneys in Benton, MO. Have you found yourself facing accusations of domestic violence in Benton, MO? These are grave charges that can have substantial consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.
If you are confronting domestic violence charges anywhere in or around Benton, MO, act quickly to safeguard your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. During this confidential meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the particulars of your case directly with one of our experienced attorneys.
Combs Waterkotte is an award-winning criminal defense law firm, home to compassionate and tenacious defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients in Benton, MO and across Missouri for more than four decades. Our exceptional record and over 250 reviews stand as testament to our unwavering commitment to our clients’ rights and freedoms.
Essential Steps to Take When Accused of Domestic Violence in Benton, MO
If you have been accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Benton, MO, it’s imperative to take immediate steps to safeguard your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in the Benton, MO area can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
- Consult With the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our skilled attorneys will offer expert guidance, safeguard your rights, reputation, and future, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the Benton, MO legal process.
- Assert Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Benton, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is essential to prevent self-incrimination and to protect your legal rights.
- Stay Informed: Stay in-the-know about the progress of your case and any developments in the legal proceedings. Your Benton, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will obviously keep you in the loop, but be sure to keep all lines of communication open so as to not miss anything vital. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.
Scenarios When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Benton, MO
Domestic violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors recognized as abusive within familial or household settings. In the Benton, MO area, instances of domestic violence could include:
- Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. This includes actions such as striking, kicking, hitting, strangling, or weapon use.
- Emotional Abuse: Tactics such as psychological manipulation, insults, humiliation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or exerting control that undermines the victim’s self-worth and autonomy.
- Sexual Misconduct: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, including rape, coerced sexual acts, and sexual harassment within an intimate relationship.
- Stalking: Persistent, unwelcome surveillance, pursuit, monitoring, or harassment leading to fear, distress, or psychological anguish.
- Economic Control: Controlling or withholding financial resources, withholding access to funds or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to assert dominance.
- Child Abuse: Any form of maltreatment, abuse, neglect, harm, or abandonment inflicted upon a child by you as a parent, guardian, or caregiver within the family or household.
Scott County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Scott County and Missouri.
What are the Possible Penalties For Domestic Violence in the Benton, MO Area?
The repercussions of domestic violence in and around Benton, MO vary greatly depending on the severity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and any relevant criminal history. Convictions for domestic violence could entail both criminal and civil penalties, including:
- Probation
- Protective Orders
- Pain and Suffering
- Medical Expenses
- Counseling/Treatment Programs
- Incarceration
.
Under Missouri law, domestic assault charges are categorized into four degrees, with penalties escalating accordingly. For instance:
- First Degree Domestic Assault: Defined under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence includes any attempts to cause or knowingly inflict serious physical injury. This offense is classified as a class B felony, unless it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. A class B felony carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while the class A felony maximum is life in prison.
- Second Degree Domestic Assault: This degree of domestic assault includes any endeavor to instrument,cause or knowingly cause serious injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is categorized as a class C felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
- Third Degree Domestic Assault: According to RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault is causing physical injury, knowingly inflicting physical pain or illness upon a household or domestic member, or negligently endangering or isolating them. This is a class E felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 4 years in prison.
- Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: Under RSMo § 565.076, this level of assault encompasses any attempt to cause or negligently cause physical injury, pain, or illness to a household or family member. Fourth degree domestic assault constitutes a class A misdemeanor, carrying a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, unless you have a prior conviction of domestic assault, in which case it would be a class E felony.
It’s crucial to bear in mind that the specifics of each case can vary drastically. Give the Benton, MO domestic violence defense attorneys a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Why is it Critical to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Benton, MO?
The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys possess extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the legal process throughout the Benton, MO area. Engaging such experienced legal representation is pivotal for securing the most favorable outcome in your case. After retaining their services, you gain access to the following advantages:
- Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Benton, MO can bring on an array of complexities that could involve intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not suggested. A skilled Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer has a deep understanding of the local Benton, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
- Strategic Defense: A skilled defense attorney will craft a strategic defense tailored to the specifics of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
- Protecting Your Rights: An experienced and knowledgeable Benton, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure that your constitutional rights are safeguarded throughout your legal process. This includes your right to a fair and speedy trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to confront witnesses against you. Your lawyer will work to prevent any violations of your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Benton, MO.
- Familiarity with Local Benton, MO Court Procedures: A defense attorney familiar with the Benton, MO court system possesses invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This can be pivotal in building an effective defense strategy as well as achieving a favorable resolution.
- Minimizing Consequences: A proficient lawyer will advocate on your behalf to minimize the potential consequences of domestic violence charges in Benton, MO. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, like diversion programs or probation, rather than incarceration. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer always has your best interests in mind and will strive to get you the best possible outcome given the unique circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Combs Waterkotte is a top criminal defense law firm based in St. Louis. Along with expert legal representation from our skilled Benton, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Benton and anywhere in Missouri:
Connect With the Leading Benton, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte
If you are facing domestic violence allegations in the Benton, MO area, it’s crucial to seek counsel from a a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation are on the line, underscoring the importance of retaining legal professionals who are as committed to your case as you are. You need the best possible balance of compassion, aggression, and expertise on your side.
Call the Benton, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.