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Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys Columbia, MO

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Last Updated: April 5, 2024

Domestic violence defense attorneys in Columbia, MO. Have you been arrested for or charged with domestic violence in Columbia, MO? These are grave charges that can have substantial consequences, losing VA benefits if you have served your country.

If you are facing domestic violence allegations anywhere in or around Columbia, MO, it’s imperative to take swift action to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case one-on-one with an experienced attorney.

Combs Waterkotte is a distinguished criminal defense law firm, renowned for its compassionate and resolute defense lawyers who have defended the innocence of clients throughout the Columbia, MO area for more than 40 years. Our unparalleled track record and over 250 reviews speaks for itself.

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What You Should Do If Accused of Domestic Violence in Columbia, MO

Should you find yourself accused of or arrested for domestic violence anywhere near Columbia, MO, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect your rights and navigate the legal process effectively. Here’s what you should do:

  • Remain Calm: Confronting allegations of domestic violence in Columbia, MO can be emotionally charged and overwhelming. However, maintaining a composed demeanor is crucial to prevent escalating the situation any further.
  • Contact the Combs Waterkotte Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys: Waste no time in reaching out to the experienced domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte. Our adept legal team will offer expert guidance, protect your rights, future, and reputation, and provide resolute advocacy throughout the legal process in Columbia, MO.
  • Assert Your Innocence: Assert your innocence and refrain from making any statements to Columbia, MO law enforcement or admissions of guilt without consulting your domestic violence defense attorneys. This is vital to avoid self-incrimination and to protect your legal rights.
  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the developments in your case and the progress of legal proceedings. While your Columbia, MO domestic violence defense attorneys will keep you informed, ensure open lines of communication to avoid missing any crucial updates. Also, be sure to ask questions if you have any concerns or uncertainties.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in Columbia, MO | Columbia, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

Scenarios When You Need the Help of Domestic Violence Attorneys in Columbia, MO

Domestic violence encompasses a range of what are considered abusive behaviors by one family or household member against another. In Columbia, MO, instances of domestic violence could include:

  • Physical Violence: Any deliberate act causing bodily harm or injury to a family or household member. Includes hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or weapon use.
  • Emotional Abuse: Psychological manipulation, insults, degradation, verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or controlling behavior that undermines the victim’s self-esteem and autonomy.
  • Sexual Assault: Nonconsensual sexual contact or activity, including rape, coerced sexual acts, and sexual harassment within an intimate relationship.
  • Stalking: Persistent and unwanted monitoring, surveillance, following, or harassment that causes fear, anxiety, or emotional distress.
  • Economic Control: Controlling or withholding financial resources, withholding access to money or assets, sabotaging employment opportunities, or exploiting economic dependence to exert power and control.
  • 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 familial or household context.

Understanding the Potential Consequences of Domestic Violence in Columbia, MO

Penalties for domestic violence in and around Columbia, MO can vary significantly based on factors like the severity of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and any prior criminal history. Convictions for domestic violence may entail both criminal and civil penalties, including:

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Missouri law breaks domestic assault charges into the following four degrees:

  • First Degree Domestic Assault: Under Missouri Revised Statute § 565.072, first degree domestic violence includes any attempts to kill or knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, serious physical injury. This is a class B felony, unless it results in severe injury, in which case it becomes a class A felony. .
  • Second Degree Domestic Assault: This degree of domestic assault includes any attempt to instrument,cause or knowingly cause serious injury with a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or via strangulation. Second degree domestic assault is a class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
  • Third Degree Domestic Assault: As outlined in RSMo § 565.074, third degree domestic assault involves 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 imprisonment.
  • Fourth Degree Domestic Assault: Under RSMo § 565.076, this degree of assault includes any attempt to cause or negligently cause physical injury, pain, or illness to any member of your household or family. Fourth degree domestic assault constitutes a class A misdemeanor, which carries 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 intricacies of each case can significantly differ. Give the Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys in Columbia, MO a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys Columbia, MO | Criminal Defense Law in Columbia, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Why is it Crucial to Hire a Skilled Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Columbia, MO?

The Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the Columbia, MO legal process. You need these types of lawyers on your side for the best possible outcome in your case. After hiring one, you get the following benefits:

  • Legal Expertise: Domestic violence cases in Columbia, MO can entail a myriad of complexities involving intricate statutes, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Opting to navigate this path solo is not the best option. A proficient Combs Waterkotte domestic violence defense lawyer boasts a profound understanding of the local Columbia, MO and state domestic violence laws, as well as and the criminal justice system.
  • Strategic Defense: A knowledgeable defense attorney will develop a strategic defense tailored to the specifics of your case. The Combs Waterkotte legal team conducts exhaustive investigations, gathers evidence, and identifies vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging the credibility of witnesses, contesting evidence, or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
  • Protection of Your Rights: An experienced and knowledgeable Columbia, MO domestic violence defense attorney from Combs Waterkotte makes sure that your constitutional rights are safeguarded throughout the legal proceedings. 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 infringements on your rights by law enforcement or prosecutors near Columbia, MO.
  • Familiarity with Local Columbia, MO Court Procedures: An attorney well-versed in the Columbia, MO court system possesses invaluable insights into local judges, prosecutors, and basic, day-to-day courtroom procedures. This knowledge can be instrumental in constructing an effective defense strategy and achieving a favorable resolution.
  • Minimizing Consequences: A skilled lawyer will advocate on your behalf to mitigate the potential repercussions of Columbia, MO domestic violence charges. This could include pursuing alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or probation, in lieu of incarceration. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer prioritizes your best interests and strives to attain the most favorable outcome given the specific circumstances of your case. Give our domestic violence defense attorneys a call right now 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 Columbia, MO domestic violence defense attorneys, we provide help in the following practice areas for clients in Columbia and anywhere in Missouri:

    Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys in Columbia, MO | Columbia, MO Criminal Defense | Combs Waterkotte

    Reach Out to the Leading Columbia, MO Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys at Combs Waterkotte

    If you are facing domestic violence allegations in or around Columbia, MO, it’s crucial to consult with a seasoned attorney capable of offering tailored guidance and representation. Your freedom and reputation are on the line, underscoring the importance of retaining legal experts who are as committed to your case as you are. You deserve a legal team that embodies a perfect blend of empathy, tenacity, and expertise.

    Contact the Columbia, MO domestic violence defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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